Spalding galleries to close

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Two art galleries in Spalding are to close after becoming the latest victims of the financial crisis.

The Welland Gallery, Winsover Road, will close on December 23 and The Edge Gallery, Station Street, will shut at the end of February.

Opened in 2004, The Welland Gallery is run by a co-operative of more than 45 local artists who use the premises to display their paintings.

Secretary Pat Smith said the Winsover Road roadworks have affected business but added that the financial crisis is the main reason behind the closure.

She said: "In the present economic climate people are not buying houses. This means they are not buying pictures.

"We have decided it's not viable to be running at commercial rates when you are not selling your pictures.

"We have built a name for ourselves in the area so it's a pity. We have got to be realistic, though. We cannot wait for the crisis to get better.

"I would like to thank all the people who have helped us, including Lincolnshire Co-operative."

The Welland Gallery Co-operative will not completely disband, despite leaving its premises, and will still look to put on exhibitions for the public.

Phil Scarlett, who runs The Edge Gallery with his wife Ann, said the decline in art purchases can be attributed to the slump in the housing market.

He said: "We aim to sell to people with new homes and those moving home but they have not been building new homes in the last three months. I do not see it recovering for the foreseeable future. There has been a noticeable drop in sales.

"The roadworks on Winsover Road were the final straw. We have a core of loyal customers and I would like to thank them for their support."

The Welland Gallery is open 10am to 4pm Tuesday to Saturday until December 23. The Edge Gallery will have 20 per cent off every item and up to 50 per cent off selected items until it closes.