Peter Potter Gallery

Peter Potter and Tom Criddle set up the Peter Potter Gallery in 1976 in Haddington's Old Fire Station, a listed building, approached by a cobbled street, situated in an attractive old part of the town. Following Tom Criddle's untimely death in 1976 and Peter Potter's death in 1982, the Gallery became a charitable trust. The Trust objective is to "increase the knowledge, understanding, practice and enjoyment of art" and it is run by both volunteers and friends.

The Gallery has a program of exhibitions throughout the year featuring art, photos, ceramics, glass and even iron works from local and less local artists: many of which are for sale. The ground floor shop has a more permanent display of art, as well as a selection of craft materials (available at a discount to local artists).

The coffee shop upstairs is (unusually!) wedge shaped and has white walls, blue carpets, a wooden beamed ceiling with spotlights, and three large picture windows which offer views over the River Tyne, to Nungate Bridge and to St Mary's Parish Church beyond.

Coffees, teas, chocolate and juices are on offer together with toasties and teacakes. You can help yourself to traybakes, cakes and scones from a display in the centre of the room.

Light lunches are available between 11.30 and 15.00, with the option of homemade soup on all day.  Sandwiches include panninis, bagels, half baguettes and pitta pockets. There are no less than 16 choices of fillings including curried egg, humous, smoked salmon and even baked beans! and there is a ploughman's and baked   potatoes.

Why would I go there?   Gallery and Coffee shop in attractive East Lothian market town.

Any Negatives? Difficult parking. Best to park elsewhere in Haddington and walk.

Before or After:
1. Visit Haddington's historic buildings – and shops.
2. Follow the East Lothian Galleries Trail. Drive around some of the most attractive villages in East Lothian (and Port Seton!) and visit eight other galleries including the West Gate in North Berwick and The Gallery in Dirleton.


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