Halesowen phone box becomes an art gallery

Jun 16 2009 by Steve Bradley, Birmingham Post

Some artists could fit all those who appreciate them into a phone box, but a Halesowen painter and photographer has turned an old BT box into a popular gallery.

The decommissioned box outside Teresa Crawford-Docherty’s house in Banners Street is now home to more than 50 exhibits, and is staking a claim to be the smallest art gallery in the world.

Forty-year-old former nurse Teresa, who is doing an MA in Fine Art at the University of Wolverhampton, has taken it upon herself to brighten up the vandalised box, which has been out of use for two years.

The mother-of-four emailed her artistic friends and acquaintances, inviting them to participate, and contributions have come from as far afield as the US.

Nebraska-based Kevin Winnik, a friend of Teresa’s, sent the piece The Doctor Is Waiting, a cartoon mock-up of Doctor Who’s Tardis – a police box that is surprisingly roomy.

The gallery was launched with a special event on Sunday. Exhibits range from photos to pastels, drawings and sculpture. Teresa plans to leave the exhibition there until September 14.