The highly anticipated reopening of Turner House Gallery has been delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The iconic building was due to welcome its first visitors on 24 January 2021 after over four years of non-use. A Hayward touring exhibition of works by pop art pioneer Eduardo Paolozzi was due to take centre stage.

"We are very excited about bringing The Turner House to Penarth but as you will know, the ongoing restrictions mean the gallery cannot open as planned on 24th January," said a Penarth Town Council spokesperson.

"Whilst this is disappointing for all of us, we are confident that you will understand that this small delay is a necessary step to help keep our community safe in these unprecedented times."

The Council has assured the town that the scheduled exhibitions have been delayed and not cancelled.

Artistic works ranging from Matisse, Blake and Paolozzi are still set to be on show 2021 alongside a permanent display dedicated to the building's illustrious past.

"We have been in regular contact with our programme partners and we are pleased to say that all planned exhibitions and events will be able to take place in due course, including the upcoming Hayward touring exhibition of works by Eduardo Paolozzi," continued the spokesperson.

"In the meantime, we will keep you updated on the development of the new gallery spaces and share highlights of our special permanent exhibition which documents the history of The Turner House."

The gallery was first opened in 1888 to exhibit the personal collection of local flour merchant, James Pyke-Thompson. He believed that seeing art improved wellbeing he made sure everyone could visit the gallery by opening on Sundays.

After Pyke-Thompson's death, the building was gifted to Amuegeddfa Cymru, the museum collective. The building was given Grade II listed status in 1993.

Many will also recall Ffotogallery, who took up residence in 2003 as the Welsh Centre for Photography until their departure in 2016.

Nub News is in the process of arranging a virtual tour of the building once the ongoing renovation works are completed.