A FORMER employee, claiming she was sacked unfairly by international artist Mackenzie Thorpe, has opened her own art gallery just yards from his studio.

Angela Davis has not yet given evidence to a tribunal, which is due to rule on her allegations of unfair dismissal in May.

However, at her new Phoenix Fine Art shop, in Finkle Street in Richmond, North Yorkshire, yesterday, the 42-year-old said her partnership with businesswoman Christine Spence represented a fresh start.

"That's why we chose Phoenix as a name," she said.

"It was only later we noticed there is a phoenix on the wall near the entrance to Finkle Street, which seemed like a good omen."

Mrs Davis was adamant that choosing to launch her own venture just a few doors from Mr Thorpe's studio would not lead to further tension.

The police were called when the two met face-to-face in Finkle Street last July.

When the tribunal opened last month, the hearing was told that Mrs Davis claimed Mr Thorpe had sacked her as a sales assistant because he resented paying her commission on work she sold.

Yesterday, Mrs Davis said: "I am proud to be back in Finkle Street and I can see no reason why the two businesses should clash.

"We are not aiming at the same markets."

Mr Thorpe, who returns to Yorkshire from America next week, was not available for comment.

However, a spokeswoman for the Mackenzie Thorpe Arthaus said: "We would wish any new business opening on Finkle Street well, but do not think it wise to comment further."