Published:
07:01 29 October 2022
The owners of a contemporary art gallery and bookshop said the closure after just over a year was “heartbreaking”.
DNA Norwich at Bank Plain was opened in August 2021 by Alex Bucklee and Daisy Thatcher.
The couple have now decided to close the doors one last time to focus more on their son.
In a statement on Instagram, the owners said: “There are several factors that led us to this decision – one, of course, being financial.
Co-owner of DNA Norwich, Daisy Thatcher.
– Credit: Alex Bucklee
“Times are really tough for everyone at the moment and we’ve felt the brunt of it – however, saying this, we could go on from a financial perspective and see this difficult time.
“That being said, owning a business is 24 hours a day and it has impacted our day-to-day family life.
“We have a little boy and we feel our time needs to be spent focusing on him at this important time in his life.
“Of course, continuing with DNA would make it incredibly difficult.
“We want to thank once again everyone who made DNA such a wonderful place and experience for us. Even though it was short, it was incredibly sweet.
“We leave with memories and friends that we will keep for life.”
The space aimed to celebrate prints by creating a dynamic and energetic space that challenges traditional ideas of what a bookshop and gallery should be.
Co-owner Miss Thatcher said: “The response has been both heartwarming and heartbreaking to see people being so kind.
“It’s a shame but it is what it is, and it was a family decision.”
The store will close for the last time on November 20.
It will remain open normally from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday, also closing on October 29 for the day.
There will be up to 50% off all books and discounts on artwork in-store and online.
After discussion with members, the owners have decided to continue their book club with information available on DNA Norwich’s Instagram.