About

Astray are an art gallery and art advisory specialising in discovering and curating exciting contemporary artists alongside undersung voices from the Modern and Post-War period.

Founded in 2026 by experienced art dealer Charlotte Riordan and contemporary art curator Alix Rothnie, Astray illuminates talent past and present through a curated online platform and roving programme of exhibitions, projects, commissions and fairs.

Drawn to art that embraces ecology and materiality, the uncanny and the atmospheric, Astray promotes craftsmanship across various media; including painting, photography, print, sculpture and jewellery. With strong Scottish, Welsh, and West Country connections, Astray focuses on championing artists in those regions.

Charlotte Riordan

Charlotte Riordan’s love of art led her to study History of Art at the University of Glasgow. From there, she has been lucky enough to work steeped in art on a daily basis throughout her career, which spans nearly twenty years in the commercial sector. From her first role in the Fine Art Society, to her tenure as Head of Contemporary and Post War Art at Lyon & Turnbull auctioneers, Charlotte has developed an in-depth knowledge of 20th & 21st century art. Respected for her expertise, Charlotte has been an art specialist on the BBC’s ‘Antiques Roadshow’ since 2018.

+44(0)7921 004 907
charlotte@astraygallery.com

Alix Rothnie

Alix Rothnie is a contemporary art curator, most recently Exhibitions & Projects Producer at Arnolfini in Bristol, and formerly with Alchemy Film & Arts and Deveron Projects. Her combined love for art, craft and nature has informed her curatorial practice over the past ten years. Since graduating from the University of Edinburgh (Modern and Contemporary Art: History, Curating and Criticism MSc) in 2015, Alix has developed exhibitions, residencies, commissions, and public art projects across the UK and internationally.

+44(0)7570 295 714
alix@astraygallery.com

How we met

Charlotte and Alix first met in 2015 whilst curating and programming projects with up-and-coming young artists in Edinburgh. Their long-standing friendship and shared passion for promoting emerging art led them to found Astray Gallery in 2026; creating a business that combines their complementary skillsets and experience.

Everything on our website is written by us, without the use of AI.

Image: William McCance (Scottish, 1894-1970), Contemplative Figure, 1945, Signed and dated lower right, oil on board, 29.5 x 38.5cm (11.5in x 15in). Enquire. Photo credit: James Robertson