A new gallery coupling work by local artists with refreshments for visitors could be coming to Colchester based at a closing wedding shop

As well as paintings and photographs, the gallery could display a range of media, including sculptures and video.

A planning application is currently with Colchester Council to create the gallery at the current Pronuptia wedding shop in Culver Street West.

David Brumpton, owner of the town's Good Life Sandwich Bar and Just-a-Thought card shop, is behind the innovative scheme.

He said the building lent itself to becoming a gallery, with its glassed front and two storeys. The provisional plan is to change the majority of items exhibited once a month.

Mr Brumpton said most works would be for sale, which would help the artists, particularly students from the Institute, who are expected to exhibit there.

The business is set to take over from Pronuptia, which has been based in Culver Street West for more than 20 years, and closes its doors today.

The family-run bridalwear and groomwear shop's owner, Joan Drake, said: "I have been running another store in Ipswich for 18 years and we have decided that it is best to have the entire business under one roof."

Published Friday, March 8, 2002