THE last-ever exhibition in Watchet’s Lynda Cotton art gallery, featuring the work of its founder and owner, the late Nick Cotton, was a sell-out and a huge success, his daughter Jennie Jukes said this week.

The week-long exhibition of oil paintings, water-colours, sketches and prints, reflecting every aspect of the town Nick had loved for more than 60 years, attracted hundreds of residents, and visitors and more than 50 artworks, many never seen in public before, were sold on the first day.

Jennie said: “We sold 101 paintings out of 102 and we could have sold many more.”

Nick Cotton, a local historian, artist, and art and antiques expert, died suddenly in December, 2023, aged 74, and his exhibition was the last before the gallery, which he opened 40 years ago, closes for good.

Jennie said: “The week was incredibly emotional, seeing so many people come through the doors to see dad’s work.

“So many complimentary words said and wonderful stories shared.

“It really felt like a most fitting tribute to somebody who gave his life to Watchet and its people.

“This little town was his whole world.

“We spent years telling dad he should have a retrospective exhibition at the gallery but he never felt confident enough to display his own work on the walls.

“We really wanted everybody to be in a position to enjoy dad’s work in their own homes, which is why the pieces on sale were all affordable and we were thrilled they were all snapped up.

“Many of the paintings featured Watchet characters and surroundings, particularly the harbour, the sea, and ships.

“Dad was completely self-taught with no formal training and some of his best work was produced as he sketched away at the kitchen table while we chatted over a cup of tea.”