A new art gallery and vintage objects shop has opened in the heart of Mortagne-au-Perche, France, bringing fresh cultural opportunities to the historic downtown area. Yves Brunner, a photographer and visual artist with deep roots in the Perche region, launched his gallery at 6 rue Notre-Dame about a month and a half ago, transforming a small boutique space into a showcase for local artists and carefully curated vintage pieces.

Brunner, who currently resides in Sainte-Céronne-lès-Mortagne, has a diverse background that spans multiple regions and countries. He left the area eight years ago for an adventure in Tunisia, where he had established some connections. His journey eventually brought him through Poitou, the Charentes region, the Paris area, and Lower Normandy before returning to his Perche roots. "Having Perche origins, I came back to the Perche region," Brunner explained during a recent interview.

The motivation behind opening the gallery stems from Brunner's long-standing passion for the arts. "I had this idea in mind for a long time because as a photographer and visual artist, I have always been immersed in art," he said. The decision to establish his gallery in this particular location was driven by practical considerations and timing. He discovered an available space that was perfectly positioned in the city center and quickly seized the opportunity without hesitation.

Despite the presence of numerous antique shops throughout Mortagne-au-Perche, Brunner isn't concerned about competition. He emphasizes that his business model differs significantly from traditional antique dealers. "Not at all because I don't sell antiques," he clarified. "I mainly seek to promote local artists and vintage objects, like right now this planter chair!" His focus remains on supporting regional artistic talent while offering unique vintage finds that tell their own stories.

Brunner's sourcing strategy for vintage and sometimes unusual objects involves scouring garage sales, estate sales, and visiting resource centers where he can discover hidden treasures. For the exhibition component of his business, he actively seeks new artists who would like to showcase their work in the heart of the city. This approach creates opportunities for emerging and established artists to reach new audiences in a prime downtown location.

The gallery's current clientele consists primarily of retirees and tourists, with no local customers yet according to Brunner. This demographic mix reflects the location's appeal to both visitors exploring the historic town and residents with time to appreciate art and unique objects. As the gallery establishes itself in the community, the customer base may expand to include more local art enthusiasts.

Looking ahead, Brunner has exciting plans for upcoming exhibitions that will further establish his gallery as a cultural destination. He has scheduled a ceramics exhibition for October 2025, which will showcase the work of ceramic artists and highlight this traditional art form. Additionally, he's planning a photography exhibition for November 2025, strategically timed to coincide with Photography Month, demonstrating his commitment to celebrating various artistic mediums.

The gallery maintains regular operating hours to accommodate different types of visitors. It's open Fridays and Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM, and Sundays from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. For those interested in private viewings or consultations, appointments can be arranged by calling 06 14 09 50 60. This schedule allows both weekend visitors and tourists to explore the collection while providing flexibility for serious collectors and artists.