Byres Road is set to see a new artistic hub unveiled this year, by the family behind Houlihan Pharmacy.

The Alchemy Experiment is situated in the old Men's World on Byres Road, which closed in March last year, and will exhibit work from local artists, sell speciality coffee and run events and workshops to encourage similar artists in Glasgow to exhibit their pieces.

Pierce Houlihan, The Alchemy Experiment manager, said the idea for the space came to his dad, Dennis, after his first solo exhibition.

"Last year my Dad wanted to host his own exhibition" Pierce told The Glasgow Times. "He paints in his shed and doesn't show anyone.

"The exhibition was called The Alchemy, held in The Vacant Space in Finnieston. He wanted a space like to exhibit in like that, but one that was more central. My sister came up with the name 'Alchemy' as it talks about lead turning to gold, and how there is symbolism in the transition from a hobbyist to an artist.

"My Dad pitched this idea to the rest of family and we said yes. And because of the original exhibition was called Alchemy, and it's all an experiment, we're going with that name."

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The Alchemy Experiment is a family effort.

"My sister, Bethany, is an artist and she has made the designs for the refit. I'm working on the coffee machine and managing it, and my brother is working here too.

"We want to exhibit work from other artists in similar situations, who are looking to host exhibitions but don't necessarily have the opportunity. People want art."

And, for Pierce, there is nowhere crying out for art more than Byres Road.

"We hope it will bring a bit of a life to Byres road. Man's World had closed down and the space was crying out for something exciting. There is something for everyone in the space".