The Lido Stores
Dedicated to showcasing contemporary art
Gallery owner and curator Kristen Healy established The Lido Stores opposite the iconic Lido obelisk in Margate in what once was a post office/convenience store. The gallery showcases some of the best emerging and mid-career artists from the United Kingdom and Ireland. The private views have become a place to connect with artists and those passionate about the arts which are thriving in, and bringing new life to, the local area.
The Lido Stores was formerly an off-licence and grocery store run by Healy’s father for twenty years from the early ‘90s. With the arrival of cheap overseas flights, the area soon experienced an extended period of decline and neglect. The shop lay empty for years until Healy transformed the main space (gallery 1) into a curated gallery showcasing fine art, with a strong emphasis on contemporary painting. There is also a small section devoted to ceramics by Kent based artisans.
A vibrant exhibition programme runs throughout the year in the adjoining 10x9ft exhibition space (gallery 2). It features individual artists, group shows and open calls, including the biennial Lido Open with the winner awarded a solo show the following summer.
Our Team
Kristen Healy
Owner, Curator, ArtistKristen Healy was born in London and moved to Margate, Kent as a child. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (hons) in Fine Art from Wolverhampton University in 2003 and subsequently continued to develop her painting practice in studios in Margate, Brighton, Amsterdam and County Clare. During this time, she exhibited regularly in Ireland and the UK. Healy moved back to Margate in 2017, established a private seafront studio and in 2021 founded The Lido Stores, a gallery showcasing contemporary paintings by emerging and mid-career artists. Her work can be found at The Lido Stores among the curated work on display.
Instagram:@knhealy
Press, Media, Social MediaElliott Marsh
Elliott Marsh heads up media engagement, website design and social media for The Lido Stores. Elliott has been an Immigration Adviser in London law firms for more than 15 years, and is recognised in the Legal 500 directory of immigration practitioners. He is also the co-founder and editor of The Vintage Aviation Echo, an annual publication specialising in historic aviation. His writing and photography has been published in aviation magazines in several countries.
Instagram:@elliott.s.marsh
Artists
If you are interested in submitting an exhibition proposal for Gallery 2 then please email requesting application details. Please note we are now fully booked for 2026, and submissions for 2027 will open in March 2026.
We are not accepting artists submissions to Gallery 1 at present, but we do run free-to-enter open calls - please sign up to our newsletter at the bottom of this page for regular updates on exhibiting opportunities.
Due to the demands of running a busy gallery space with a high footfall, we kindly ask that artists do not cold call in-person.
Visit Us
The Lido Stores
2 Ethelbert Terrace
Margate
CT9 1RX
Summer Open hours
Friday - Saturday 11am -4pm
The gallery is also open by appointment
Please note the gallery is closed between 2 - 27 August 2026
Accessibility
The Lido Stores is fully wheelchair and pram accessible
E-mail
thelidostores@gmail.com
@lido_stores_margate