Drax Studio is a fine-art gallery and dealer located on Haven Road in Poole, close to the harbour. It specialises in original artworks, fine-art photography and limited-edition prints, serving collectors both in the UK and internationally. This page covers what you can expect to see at Drax Studio, how to visit and purchase art, the gallery’s location and its role within Poole’s creative scene.
What art does Drax Studio show and sell
Drax Studio presents a curated selection of fine art focusing on portraiture, photography and contemporary painting. It represents established artists such as Terry O’Neill CBE, a celebrated photographer known for his portraits of cultural icons. The gallery offers prints and photographs by O’Neill, including some of his most iconic images from the 1960s onwards.
Another featured artist is James Green, who paints under the name “The Artful Green.” He is known for his distinctive method of completing each painting in a single sitting without revisions. His work includes landscapes, portraits and still life, all characterised by vibrant colour and fluid brushwork.
The gallery also holds an archive of rock and pop photography from the 1980s, capturing the music scene of that era. This includes limited-edition prints and original photographs from notable photographers.
Drax Studio hosts themed exhibitions periodically. For example, it has showcased a 2025 exhibition of David Bowie photographs from the personal archive of Geoff MacCormack, Bowie’s longtime friend and collaborator. These exhibitions provide a chance to see rare and exclusive works not often displayed elsewhere.
The gallery’s collection changes regularly, with new works and exhibitions announced on its website. It caters to collectors looking for investment-grade art as well as those seeking pieces for private enjoyment.
How to visit Drax Studio and buy art
Drax Studio operates primarily as a gallery and dealer rather than a public museum. Its physical space on Haven Road is open to visitors by appointment or during special events. Public opening hours are not routinely published, so contacting the gallery in advance is advisable. The phone number is 01202 509933 and the email address is info@drax.studio.
The gallery offers an online store through its website, allowing collectors worldwide to browse and purchase artworks. It provides international shipping to destinations including the USA, Middle East, Far East and Europe. This makes it accessible to buyers who cannot visit the Poole gallery in person.
Prices vary widely depending on the artist, medium and edition size. Original paintings by James Green typically start in the low thousands of pounds, while limited-edition photographic prints by Terry O’Neill can range from several hundred to a few thousand pounds. The gallery can provide certificates of authenticity and provenance for all works.
Drax Studio also offers advice and consultation for collectors, including framing and shipping arrangements. It has built a reputation as a trusted resource for acquiring fine art with a focus on photography and contemporary painting.
Where is Drax Studio and what is the surrounding area like
Drax Studio is located at 46 Haven Road, Poole BH15 1AG, just a five-minute walk from Poole Harbour and the town centre. Haven Road runs parallel to the waterfront and is home to a mix of independent shops, cafes and creative businesses.
The gallery sits within Poole’s harbourside quarter, an area known for its maritime heritage and vibrant arts scene. Nearby attractions include the Poole Museum, which is a ten-minute walk away, and Poole Quay, with its restaurants and boat trips.
Public transport links to Haven Road are good. Poole railway station is about 15 minutes on foot, and several bus routes serve the town centre and harbour area. Ample parking is available in nearby car parks such as the Poole Quay car park and the Dolphin Shopping Centre car park.
The harbour setting provides a pleasant environment for visiting galleries and creative spaces. The area is quieter than Bournemouth’s busy seafront but offers a more intimate cultural experience.
How does Drax Studio fit into Poole’s arts and culture scene
Drax Studio is one of several small galleries and studios contributing to Poole’s growing reputation as a creative hub. The town’s arts scene includes contemporary art galleries, craft studios and performance venues.
The gallery’s focus on fine art photography and contemporary painting complements other local cultural offerings. It supports both emerging and established artists, helping to attract collectors and art enthusiasts to the area.
Poole’s harbourside hosts regular art events and festivals, such as the annual Poole Harbour Arts Trail, which features open studios and exhibitions. Drax Studio often participates in these events, providing opportunities for visitors to engage directly with artists and curators.
The presence of Drax Studio alongside other galleries and creative businesses enhances the cultural appeal of Poole’s waterfront. It offers a quieter alternative to the larger galleries in nearby Bournemouth while maintaining a high standard of art and service.
For visitors interested in exploring more of the local arts scene, the guide to things to do in Bournemouth includes listings for galleries, studios and cultural attractions across the wider area.
What to know before visiting Drax Studio
Visitors planning a trip to Drax Studio should note that the gallery does not have fixed public opening hours. Arranging a visit by phone or email is recommended to ensure the gallery is open and staff are available.
The gallery is wheelchair accessible, with level entry from the street. However, it is advisable to check accessibility details when booking a visit.
Photography inside the gallery is generally not permitted without prior consent, as many works are limited editions or original pieces.
There is no café or refreshment area on site, but several nearby cafes and restaurants on Poole Quay provide options for dining before or after a visit.
The gallery’s location on Haven Road places it within easy reach of other cultural venues and the harbour, making it possible to combine a visit with a walk along the waterfront or a trip to the nearby Poole Museum.
How to get to Drax Studio from Bournemouth and nearby towns
Drax Studio is approximately 12 miles west of Bournemouth town centre. The most direct route by car is via the A35, which takes around 25 minutes depending on traffic.
Public transport options include regular bus services connecting Bournemouth and Poole. The X3 and X6 buses run frequently between the two towns, with stops near Poole town centre. From there, it is a 10-minute walk to Haven Road.
Poole railway station is served by direct trains from Bournemouth, with a journey time of about 10 minutes. From Poole station, visitors can walk or take a short taxi ride to the gallery.
For those arriving by coach or from further afield, Poole’s coach park is close to the harbour and within walking distance of Drax Studio.
Visitors planning to explore the wider area can use the interactive map to locate Drax Studio in relation to other attractions, galleries and amenities.
Related cultural venues and galleries nearby
Poole’s harbourside area includes several other galleries and creative spaces worth visiting alongside Drax Studio:
- Bunker Art Studio: A small independent studio-gallery in Boscombe’s Royal Arcade, specialising in contemporary art by local artists. See more.
- All Fired Up: A paint-your-own pottery studio and café near The Square in Bournemouth, offering a creative activity for all ages. Details.
- Poole Museum: Exhibits on local history and maritime heritage, a short walk from Drax Studio. Listed.