Woolbridge Gallery Opens in Former Biella Wool Mill

Woolbridge Gallery, a new art space, inaugurated on October 10, 2020, in the former Lanificio Pria textile factory in Biella, Italy. The gallery occupies 6,800 square meters of the 33,000-square-meter 19th-century industrial complex, with plans to expand to the entire building within two years. Founded by collector Patrick Saletta and gallerist Jean Le Guyader (formerly director of spaces in Paris, Shanghai, and Beirut), the gallery is described as a “gallery for artists.” The opening exhibition features over 50 artists, blending historical international and Italian names with contemporary figures. Woolbridge Gallery is part of a broader project that includes Woolbridge Labs—five free incubator spaces for selected artists, curators, and designers—and collaborations with local cultural foundations. The Lanificio Pria already houses creative businesses such as Daniele Basso’s art studio, design studios V2 and Ettore Veronese, a graphic agency, Zaion gallery, architect Luisa Bocchietto’s studio, and an art printing company. The gallery aims to attract diverse audiences and promote modern and contemporary art beyond buyers. The project is privately funded. Future phases include a restoration lab for contemporary art, a multimedia room, library, and conference stage, set to open in June 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic delayed the opening. Biella was named a UNESCO Creative City in 2019.