WELLINGTON’S last remaining art gallery has been saved from closure after a local artist stepped in to keep its doors open.

News that owner Nicholas Cole was stepping away from the Talent Gallery, on Fore Street, was met with disappointment by residents who enjoyed visiting the gallery and artists who were able to showcase their works in the town centre.

But while Mr Cole still plans to exit the business, local artist Nina King is set to step in and keep it open for the town to enjoy.

Mrs King approached Mr Cole with the idea, who was thrilled that the venue could be saved - and keep the same familiar name. He told the Wellington Weekly: “I am absolutely delighted, it is a better outcome than I could have anticipated. It’s great that Nina wants to keep the ‘Talent Gallery name’ because she feels it is an established brand.”

Mr Cole, who lives in Dulverton, said although he is stepping away, it won’t be the last residents see of him in the town. He said: “I am still retiring, although will continue to offer a framing service and hope to use the shop to receive deliveries, so I’ll still be around from time to time.”

Mrs King said the venture had left her both ‘excited and nervous’ and hoped the news of the gallery’s continued survival would be a ‘nice surprise’ for the people of Wellington. She said: “Many people in Wellington were upset at the news that the Gallery was closing, and I am hoping to surprise them in a positive way. 

“I am excited and nervous at the same time. I have loads of ideas and hope to move the Gallery forward.  I will aim to re-open with a Preview VIP event on Friday June 7 and open the doors on Saturday June 8.”