End of an era: Art society opens final show as Dudley museum and gallery closure draws close
The Dudley Society of Artists has opened its last exhibition at the town's museum and art gallery – just weeks before the attraction closes its doors.
The art group's 88th exhibition at the gallery is set to be the last.
It opened on Saturday with an impressive 130 pieces of work from local artists, but when it closes on December 22, so too will the building.
This will mark the end of a long-running partnership between the St James's Road venue and the society. The museum will move to a new base at Dudley Archives, in Tipton Road.
Artist and society member, Keith Turley, said: "There have been been complaints about the loss of a much-loved local facility, and venues where we can exhibit are getting fewer and farther between."
He added: "It is a big blow, but it is not going to stop our club and we will still exhibit at other Black Country venues."
Cash-strapped Dudley Council is closing the museum and art gallery as part of cost-cutting measures, as it looks to save tens of million of pounds over the next three years.
Following a petition by more than 4,000 people hoping to save the attraction, a scheme was unveiled to move the museum's collections to the Archives building.
Councillor Khurshid Ahmed, cabinet member responsible for tourism, said: "The move to the archives building is an exciting challenge and when complete will allow us to continue celebrating the fascinating history and heritage that this borough has to offer.
"The doors of the current building will close on December 22 when staff will start packing up the collections which span hundreds of years of history in the borough.
"Collections will be moved to the new site from early next year."
