THE Thelma Hulbert Gallery in Honiton is to be closed temporarily from Christmas Eve to be sensitively reorganised .
THE Thelma Hulbert Gallery in Honiton is to be closed temporarily from Christmas Eve to be "sensitively reorganised".
East Devon District Council says architects and conservationists will be working over the next few months to provide a large, general exhibition space on the ground floor of Elmfield House, formerly Honiton Register Office.
A shop and cafe are also to be developed, offering a view of the late Ms Hulbert's courtyard garden through original shuttered glass doors.
A sculpture garden could eventually be developed in the grounds, at the front of the building.
The expansion programme, which is being supported by the Arts Council, will get under way following its final exhibition of the year, Present Makers, which will run from November 7 to December 24.
A spokesman for East Devon District Council said: "The gallery is to be completely rebranded; the website will be revamped to be more informative and useful, and the Friends' scheme enlarged to offer more to sponsors.
"Staff will also be looking for volunteers to help man the new, improved gallery."
Anybody interested in becoming a volunteer at the gallery is asked to make themselves known to curator Angela Blackwell.
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