FAMED cricketer and artist Jack Russell is preparing for a move north but his gallery will remain in Chipping Sodbury.

The gallery on High Street is currently on the market to lease but, in an interview with the Gazette, Jack confirmed his popular artwork will still be available to view and buy from offices at the back of the sprawling property he bought in 1994.

The former England and Gloucestershire wicket keeper, who was born in Stroud, said he needs a change of scenery for inspiration and fresh views to paint but wanted to keep his business rooted in Chipping Sodbury.

Jack, 52, who first opened a gallery in High Street in 1991, said: “I am looking for a chance of scenery and a different atmosphere and light.

“I have painted pretty much every view and scene in this half of the country so am planning to move up north, to the Lakes, Northumberland, maybe even Scotland. It is something we have been trying to do for five years but have kept having to put off but we are definitely going to do this year.

“But the gallery is not closing. We are just moving out the back as we have sort of grown out of the main gallery.”

He said online sales of his atmospheric landscapes and historic street scenes had increased dramatically in recent years and, with the launch of a new website last year, had reduced the need for a full-time gallery.

“We will downsize a little bit and will be open by appointment only but the public can still come and view originals,” said Jack.

“Chipping Sodbury has such a good atmosphere and it has to feel right. This is a great space for showing pictures, you can get close and stand right back to see them.

“I have been all over the world playing cricket and visiting a few places but Sodbury is a magic place. It is a really good street and has a great atmosphere.”

The main gallery is available to lease and does not require planning permission to change its use. Jack, who bought the building from the Royal British Legion who had run a bar from the premises, said: “It could be a wine bar, pub or restaurant, we have had a few inquiries and if it fits with the street we would be happy to work with the new tenants.”

The father-of-five whose children have now all left home, lives near Cirencester and said despite his planned ‘adventure’ in the north he and wife Aileen would return to Gloucestershire.

“We are not going forever,” he said. “I love Gloucestershire to bits and will come back.

“We might go for one, five or 10 years, basically it is a painting adventure to explore new things and a different colour and atmosphere but I have already decided I want to spend my last days in Gloucestershire.”