A SCOTTISH gallery is to create a new exhibition space dedicated to celebrated Glasgow artist Hannah Frank.

The MacLaurin Gallery in Ayr, which shows work by national and internationally acclaimed artists, will show works as part of an exhibition of art by Scottish Jewish artists next summer.

Hannah, who grew up in the Gorbals area, was one of the last survivors of the Art Nouveau period when "Glasgow Style" became a global hallmark.

Her distinctive black and white style endured for 80 years.

She died on December 18, 2008 at the age of 100. On the day she died, her niece Fiona Frank learned she was to be awarded a honorary doctorate from the University of Glasgow, where she studied English and Latin. Hannah became the first person to be awarded a posthumous doctorate from the university, where she studied as a young woman.

Hannah's niece has paid tribute to her aunt on the fifth anniversary of her death.

Fiona Frank said: "I was privileged to be with my aunt when she died, at the age of 100, peacefully, at Westacres Care Home in Glasgow on December 18.

"Since then her legacy has continued to grow. On this very day five years ago, a letter had arrived at my house in Lancaster offering my aunt the honorary doctorate in celebration of her services to art.

"She never knew about the award, as I was in Glasgow with her - but eventually the university was persuaded to award the doctorate posthumously to her - the only posthumous doctorate that Glasgow University has ever awarded.

"Since then my aunt was also awarded a posthumous Lord Provost's award from Glasgow City Council.

"And we have had two exhibitions in Shetland, one in Dalbeattie, three in Glasgow and two in Lancaster since her death with more to come, it seems.

"And we have met new friends and fans of her work from across the globe. The journey continues."