SIDMOUTH’S Kennaway House has become a full-time art gallery thanks to a soaring reputation and a host of renowned artists and photographers.

SIDMOUTH’S Kennaway House has become a full-time art gallery thanks to a soaring reputation and a host of renowned artists and photographers.

Pieces of work from talents such as Favell Bevan-Arti, Steve Coleman and Kaili Fu have remained on display at the re-vamped regency mansion after successful exhibitions.

The move has meant rooms in the house feature a range of art which residents and visitors can enjoy at their leisure, five days a week.

“It was a surprise to us and we’d like to share it,” said Kennaway House chairman Michael James, “A lot of people in Sidmouth don’t realise they can just walk in here.”

Display pieces are also on sale, on behalf of their creators, with Kennaway House taking a small commission, which goes towards the maintenance of the venue.

“Anyone who has had an exhibition is invited to leave some work behind if they want. We use it to decorate the building,” said Mr James.

“There will always be art for sale here and anyone can come and look at it.”

House manager David Leach said: “A lot of really good artists say it’s one of the best exhibition sites in the South West. A lot of people want to be associated with a gallery here.”

Michael Buckland, David Harris and Beth Pearson also have work on display. Photos by Colin Bowerman feature early snaps of Joan Collins and Glenda Jackson. Art can be viewed from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.