After a failed changing-of-the-guard to hand over the running of Bungendore Wood Works, reported in September, retired artistic director and owner David Mac Laren is closing the gallery.

For more than 40 years, Bungendore Wood Works has been a mecca Australia’s finest woodworkers and artists.

Management of the Wood Works have now announced, “with deep appreciation and a heavy heart,” that the gallery will shut up shop in early June.

“After decades at the helm, artistic director and founder David Mac Laren OAM is ready for a well-deserved retirement,” they say.

“While he has explored succession options, sustaining a gallery of this scale has become increasingly challenging in today’s economic climate. Despite our best efforts, we have not found a viable path forward.”