A WEST Fife art gallery will close after 18 years as the owner prepares to retire.

Ruth Walls opened Art Room 59 in Townhill in 2005 but is now beginning to wind down the shop after listing it for sale.

In her time she has been a passionate advocate for showcasing original artworks from Dunfermline and across Fife.

Helping artists to develop their careers or providing exhibition space for those who are more established has been the main aim of her gallery.

She said: "Being a very 'young' gallery, committed to promoting and selling good quality, affordable art, was challenging, however I had a year long calendar of events, and hosted many exhibitions and preview evenings.

"When asked the same question time and time again; 'What are you doing stuck up here, shouldn’t you be in the town?'

"I’d reply, 'You would need a Sherpa Guide to find some of the Galleries that I’ve been to'.

"After 18 years , thousands of lovely people have found me and for that I am so very grateful."

Ruth studied Fashion Design at Edinburgh College of Art from 1979 to 1884 and went on to work in the clothing design and manufacturing industry for 21 years in Glasgow, London and Dunfermline before being made redundant in 2005.

She also worked part time as a lecturer at her alma mater and at Telford College.

With little redundancy money or stock, but an overflow of optimism, Ruth went on to open Art Room 59 on Townhill Road in the autumn of 2005.

Throughout the time the shop has been open she has collaborated with other businesses such as Harbour Arts and Crafts in Aberdour and Abbot House.

She has also acted as a volunteer new business mentor for the Princes Trust.

The gallery won Creative Fife Gallery of the Year in 2008, and Best Independent Retailer in Fife in 2017.

Ruth added: "As the years progressed, I adapted to market and seasonal changes and slowly introduced affordable gifts , interior accessories and cards.

"Although the balance of being wholly a gallery, shifted towards gallery and gifts, I continued to showcase quality arts and crafts.

"Every shop strives for uniqueness and the lovely comments I’ve had over the years have encouraged me to continue down that path.

"Needless to say , the last few years have been challenging for everyone, not least retail businesses, however my loyal customers continued to support me through these difficult times by ordering through the website.

"Although the shop is closing the plan is to continue with the website and sell online, offering a delivery or collection service.

"I’ll also have more time to focus on my own creative projects, which will also be available online."

Ruth says the key to her business longevity is being able to adapt to outside influences whilst "maintaining the integrity and foundations of the original plan".

She continued: "But more importantly than that are the people, the customers who have stepped through my door over the years.

"I have chatted, laughed, cried and made some good friends over the years and If it wasn’t for their support and continued custom, I simply I would not have been here for as long as I have.

"I would like to thank them all, from the bottom of my heart .

"I’d also like to thank all the artists, crafts people and independent makers who’s hard work and talent have helped Art Room 59 make it through the last 18 years."

Art Room 59 does not have an exact closing date, with an aim to wrap things up by the end of August.

In the meantime keep up to date via the Facebook page and the website at www.artroom59.co.uk.