This week has been both exciting and demanding for Tony. He’s been doing a lot of work in the run-up to Christmas, having picked up a few more commissions prior to the big day. Monday was thus a day dedicated almost exclusively to painting—a rare day indeed for Tony, who is often kept occupied on the gallery floor.

On Tuesday, Tony met with Angela Bates, an artist who hopes to host her work in the Gallery. Discussion centered on the development of her artwork, and how to sell it to a commercial gallery such as his. After the meeting, Tony returned once more to his studio.

On Wednesday, Tony was dragged from his studio. Holding reception for a few hours, he returned once more to his studio and made good progress on his last-minute Christmas commissions.

Thursday was a comparatively “hands-on” day. Materials—timber, mostly—were hauled across rooftops and through open windows as Tony tried to ensure that his new office was ready for his return after Christmas. Frantic painting resumed afterwards. Sleep, according to Tony, has been an extremely precious commodity recently.

Friday marked a return to Tony’s studio, and more work on his commissions. Tony used Friday to apply the finishing touches to a new painting for Michael Moore, Thumbs Up for the Union, and others.

And Saturday, conversely, marked a return to construction on the office! More materials arrived in the Gallery, and were dragged across rooftops, through windows, and finally into the upper room where Tony plans to build his new office. David, friend of the Gallery and extremely skilled plumber, came in to work his magic. Tony tells me that David is the only plumber who clears up after himself that he’s ever met!

The raffle, which the Gallery has been running for the past few weeks, was drawn today. The winner was Gail Morgan and her children, Roan and Ruth. Gail actually has a husband who is currently fighting in Afghanistan. Tony hopes that the money raised from the raffle (just under £400!) will be used to help soldiers like him.

Now, Tony is really looking forward to his well-deserved Christmas break. It’s been a hard year but a good year, he says, and he hopes that 2013 will be an ever better one. He also hopes that all friends of the Gallery have a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.