Gallery Roma

Gallery Roma, around the corner from St Luke’s on the Fulham Road, is a gallery like no other. It opened in October.

The gallery was founded and curated by the eminent surgeon and gynaecologist John Butler for painters, patients. locals and lovers of good coffee. This is a gallery for St Luke!

A renaissance man, John is also a member of the congregation and immersed in the arts.

Gallery Roma was generously set up in loving memory of Ljubica Jankovic Lazaric by her family who were instrumental in the scheme. The design, layout and publicity is brilliantly supported by John’s wife Mary.

Art can delight, give a different window on the world, inspire and can also help to heal in so many different ways. Here you can cross the road from the Royal Marsden Hospital and go to a  completely new environment between appointments or work. And get a big welcome from Elvin and Cibe. There is an almost tangible circle of kindness here.

All the paintings are for sale; it is the only gallery I know of that’s open seven days a week and before 7am weekdays! All profits go to cancer charities, a different one nominated per exhibition.

Local artists are encouraged and it’s a new central gallery to show work.

I was thrilled and privileged to be in the inaugural show, Colour and Light in October.  I met the wonderful Lazaric family.  As a painter and long standing and patient of the Marsden all my worlds came together. I was fortunate to be there in so many ways.

It was an incredible opening launch, supporting the Lady Garden Foundation which raises awareness and funds research into five types of gynecological cancers. (www.ladygardenfoundation.com)

I’m delighted to write there were many red dots – something artists love, the medical world I suspect – not.

The Gallery Roma Christmas show opens on 1 December to 1 February 2026.  A mixed show with colour filled gems from Luke and Bella Martineau, Emma Hill, Rosie Copeland. I’ll have 2 winter landscapes in. This is in support of The Friends of the Royal Marsden Hospital Chelsea who have just celebrated their 90th Anniversary.

This gallery is a new kid on the block on the arts scene in Chelsea and it’s very special.  I hope you’ll come and see what it’s all about – and enjoy what’s on the walls and in your cup.

78 Fulham Road, SW3 6HH. More information on website: www.galleryroma.com/

Louise Diggle