About Us

At Old Grocery, our mission is to cultivate a vibrant community through the transformative power of art. We are a sanctuary for diversity, creativity, and ethical practices in the heart of the Wivenhoe community. By championing both emerging talents and established artists, Old Grocery showcases a rich array of perspectives and voices, reflecting the dynamic culture of our surroundings. 

Beyond supporting artists and exhibitions, we are committed to fostering local, ethically-based business pop-ups, creating a platform for sustainable practices and innovative ideas. We believe in fair support for our artists, ensuring art remains accessible to everyone, and promoting ethical business practices across all endeavours. 

Through collaboration, inclusivity, and respect, Old Grocery aims to inspire connections, spark conversations, and celebrate the diverse stories that bind us together. Join us in embracing the transformative power of the arts and the strength of a community united by diversity and ethical integrity .

We aim to be a beacon of creativity and community nestled in the heart of Wivenhoe. Our journey began in May 2022, marking a new chapter for a space with a rich history and deep roots in the community. We proudly opened our doors with the Wivenhoe Art Trail Exhibition, in collaboration with Wivenhoe Printworks, breathing life into a space that had stood silent for 25 years, its windows boarded up and its stories untold.

The name 'Old Grocery' pays homage to the building's storied past. Originally established in 1895 as a ships chandler, the business was once a bustling hub run by Stacey Woods. Over the years, it transitioned into a grocery store, serving the community until its closure as a green grocer's in 1997. This iconic Wivenhoe shop space, once a cornerstone of daily life, has been lovingly transformed into an art space dedicated to exhibitions, pop-ups, and a celebration of local talent.

Today, Old Grocery stands as a testament to the power of community, art, and history intertwined. We are more than just a gallery; we are a platform for artists, poets, and local ethical businesses to share their work, their voices, and their visions with the world. Our space is a canvas for creativity, where the legacy of the past meets the innovation of the present, creating a vibrant future for all who walk through our doors. Join us in this journey of discovery, inspiration, and community at Old Grocery.

Who runs Old Grocery?

Jonathan and Della Hawkins, the visionaries behind Old Grocery, bring to life a gallery that not only celebrates art but also embodies a legacy of artistic excellence that spans generations. At the core of Jonathan's identity is his dual role as an artist and educator, shaped profoundly by a lineage rich in artistic achievement.

Jonathan's journey into the arts is deeply rooted in his family's history. His great uncle, Harold Fredrick Weaver Hawkins, known as Raokin, was a celebrated figure in the Australian art scene, leaving a lasting impact on Jonathan's creative outlook. His grandfather, Ernest Joseph Weaver Hawkins, an architectural sculptor and restorer, honed his craft under Laurence Turner and significantly contributed to the preservation of art and history through his work with the Byzantine Institute of America and Dumbarton Oaks Center for Byzantine Studies. This tradition of artistic dedication traces back to Jonathan's great grandfather, Edgar Augustine Hawkins, who studied at the Royal Academy Schools in London and later served as Director of the Admiralty Works Department.

Jonathan's personal story is equally rich and compelling. Educated in art schools in Cambridge and Exeter, he has dedicated over 45 years to his practice as a painter and printmaker. This extensive career has seen him exhibit across diverse venues—from prestigious galleries in the USA to intimate spaces in Cambridge, Snape Maltings, and various small galleries in London. Each exhibition has been a testament to Jonathan's skill, vision, and dedication to his craft.

Beyond his artistic prowess, Jonathan's commitment to education and community engagement shines through in his current project at Old Grocery. Here, he has created a space that not only showcases art, but also nurtures local talent and ethical business practices. Jonathan Hawkins is not just preserving his family's legacy; he is enriching it, offering a new chapter in a storied tradition of artistic excellence. Old Grocery stands as a beacon of creativity and community, reflecting Jonathan's deep respect for his heritage and his passion for art's power to inspire and connect.