Montrose artist Syd Walker has died at the age of 89.
Born in Birmingham, he grew up in Bournville.
During the Second World War he was called up as a Bevin Boy and worked in the coal mines until 1946.
After studying at Ruskin Hall and Birmingham College of Arts and Crafts, Mr Walker taught art at various colleges but it was only after marrying Elizabeth Ritchie and moving back to her home town of Montrose that he set up his own business a shop on Bridge Street with a nearby pottery and gallery in 1957.
In 1968 a lorry jackknifed into the shop, completely destroying it.
They began looking for replacement premises and bought a former newsagent’s shop beside the Ballhouse.
It was during renovations they discovered the building included stables and a close, which they turned into the Coffee House, opening a year after the Bridge Street accident.
In 1972 the couple bought an old coach house on Queen’s Close, which they converted into a three-storey gallery, pottery and studio.
Called the Stables Art Centre, it ran successfully for more than 30 years.
In 1998 his services to art in the community were recognised when he was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List.
Mr Walker is survived by Elizabeth, daughters Fiona and Kirsten and their families. His funeral will take place at the Old and St Andrew’s Church, Montrose, at 11am on Monday.