An Ipswich artist is selling her work to help fund taking over a 40-year-old independent frame workshop and gallery in the town centre.

Kelly Will will take over the running of Frame Workshop and Gallery on St Nicholas Street from Robin Peters, who has run the gallery since 1984, from July 1, and will be holding an auction of her work this week to help fund the business.

The 34-year-old has had a host of health conditions, including suffering a brain aneurism in her 20s that led to her needing a ten-hour surgery at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, on Christmas Eve 2014.

Ms Will also developed pain in her hands during 2020 - undiagnosed issues that led to her becoming ambidextrous - but overcame this and spent lockdown creating line drawings of long-lost Ipswich pubs using her weaker hand.

Ipswich Star: Kelly Will and Robin Peters.Kelly Will and Robin Peters. (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Her work featured in shared exhibitions in the shop in December and January, which also contributed towards the venture.

Kelly Will, who has been working at Snappy Snaps in the town centre, said: "Robin used to frame my work for me and he told me last year that he would be retiring, and I couldn't imagine the shop not being here, so I proposed this.

"Robin is very patient and kind teaching me to frame."

Ipswich Star: Robin Peters will be retiring this month after 40 years.Robin Peters will be retiring this month after 40 years. (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Robin Peters said: "I was diagnosed with bowel cancer last year. I've had the all-clear, but it's just a case of re-assessment and letting someone else take over.

"I will miss the customers, but I will be around to lend a hand if needed.

"Kelly seemed very keen, and I thought I would do everything I can to help her enthusiasm.

"I am rooting for Kelly and hoping she will make a go of it. I'm sure she will."

Ipswich Star: The gallery has been in business on St Nicholas Street since 1984.The gallery has been in business on St Nicholas Street since 1984. (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Mr Peters added that it has been an interesting time, and his highlights include meeting Paul Eddington (Jim Hacker in Yes Minister), Ipswich Town's Bobby Robson, and Micky Stockwell.

The art auction fundraiser will be held at the gallery on Thursday and Friday this week (June 6 and 7) from 9am to 4pm, and on Saturday (June 8) from 9am to 2pm.

Ms Will also hopes to host life drawing classes and art workshops in the gallery space.