Thuline De Cock, who is originally from Belgium but now lives in Kendal, closed her Windermere gallery after being diagnosed with adult polyglucosan body disease (APBD).
APBD is a rare disorder that has affected Thuline’s balance and ability to walk long distances. Currently there is no cure and treatment only helps in managing symptoms.
Whilst the disorder is currently not affecting her ability to produce art, Thuline decided to close the Windermere site after her diagnosis because it was not accessible enough to her.
However, when 26 Kirkland, Kendal, became available following the closure of ‘The Dirty Dog’, Thuline leapt at the opportunity to reopen again.
This is because the space is closer to her home and is all on one floor, making it more accessible for her.
Thuline said: “I’m looking forward to having a shop in Kendal because we live in Kendal and most of our friends live here so it will be lovely. People will be able to pop in, and I think it will be much more sociable than in the past.”
With galleries like Abbot Hall nearby, Thuline hopes the area could become the art district of Kendal and attract more independent stores.
The reopening has been a recent decision as the space has only recently been empty.
But Thuline hopes for it to be open within the next few weeks. It will be similar to the gallery studio in Windermere where she painted, sold prints and merchandise and taught classes.
The Windermere gallery opened in 2017 and had become a celebrated part of the town centre, most famous for the paintings of Highland cows.
There was also a shop in Kendal from 2013-2018 but it closed to prioritise Windermere so Thuline is very excited to return to Kendal.
She also said: “It’s exciting, it’s a new start and I really like the feel of the new shop.”