A HEREFORD gallery is set to close as rising costs hit the business, but it's not the end for the artist in charge.

The work of artist blacksmiths, glass makers, printers, textile artists, sculptors, and painters has been shown alongside Tim Hawkins' handcrafted wooden furniture at Timothy Hawkins Gallery in Hereford's Church Street for the past six years.

Almost to the day though, the gallery will now close down, and the last day of trading will be Saturday, May 20, 2023.

Hereford Times:

Furniture designer and maker Mr Hawkins and his partner, gallery curator and manager Audrey Simpson, said they have been delighted to represent more than seventy artists over the years, most of them living and working in Herefordshire.

"These artists, the vast majority of whom are professionals, are creating unique pieces with great skill and dedication and they deserve to be represented in their home county, but sadly there are very few galleries and now there will be one less," Mr Hawkins said.

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“We have worked very hard to try to make our gallery a success for everyone involved, but sadly the costs involved in running a high street business have become unmanageable for us.

"Once we have closed, we know that many of our artists will struggle to find alternative gallery space in Herefordshire, and we are sorry that our wonderful regular customers, as well as tourists, will have nowhere of the same ilk in the city to view a diverse and exciting range of contemporary artwork.”

“I’m lucky enough to have a steady flow of furniture commissions, and I shall continue as ‘Fine Furniture Ltd’ at my rural workshop on the outskirts of the city.

"I really hope that folk will carry on placing their furniture orders - I’m not ready to hang up my tools yet!”

The couple said they would like to thank all their artists and gallery customers.

“It has been an absolute joy to serve you and we will miss you, thank you all,” they said.