Rigbys’ picture framing store in Rockhampton closes after 30 years

From wedding dresses and karate belts to wartime coins and even shark jaws, this Central Queensland couple has framed it all. Now, they’ve closed for the last time after 30 years in business.

Sue and Les Rigby have operated their picture framing store in Rockhampton for the past 30 years. Picture: Aden Stokes

A Central Queensland couple is “hanging up their tape measures” and looking forward to retirement, closing the doors to their picture framing business of 30 years for one last time.

Les and Sue Rigby, together with their Jack Russell Olie in the latter years, have operated their picture framing store Rigbys’ in Rockhampton for the past three decades, with 20 of those years spent in Allenstown at 155 Canning St.

The business closed to customers at 12pm on Saturday, April 27.

Now in their 70s, Les and Sue said “it was time” to retire.

“We are quite looking forward to that,” Sue said.

Rigbys' picture framing store at 155 Canning St, Allenstown. Picture: Aden Stokes

“We have served the public well and the public have supported us well over the time.

“We have had fantastic support from customers far and wide.

“It’s time to hang up our tape measures and see what else the world has to offer.”

Sue said the business suffered a setback when Covid hit in 2020.

“It had us scratching our heads if we could continue on,” she said.

“But it picked up again.

“Then when the interest rates started to go back up again it just sort of started to wane off a little bit more.”

Les and Sue, who live on acreage at Struck Oil, have framed many interesting items over the years, including wedding dresses, sharks jaw, karate belts, a hand painted cowhide and many artworks, photographs, medals and memorabilia.

“One that really stands out to me was when we had the 100th year of Gallipoli a lady brought in what they call a death penny that the king presented to all the families that had lost a loved one during the First World War,” Sue said.

Sue and Les Rigby with their jack russell Olie. Picture: Aden Stokes

“Each penny was individually named.

“We framed that and that’s something I had never known about.

“That sticks with me.”

Sue said although her and Les had retired, they had some “busy days ahead”.

“We have a trip planned to Tasmania at the end of September,” she said.

“My sewing room is calling out for attention and Les’ bees are waiting in the hive to have honey extracted.”

Sue wanted to give a “tremendous thank you” to their customers for their friendship and support over the years.

“It has been wonderful to get to know the people over the years that have accepted us as a business and as friends, which you don’t get in many businesses,” she said.

“It’s been a real privilege to work in this industry, it really has.”