The artistic talent of Southend is on show for all to see.

The first of two yearly exhibitions by the Southend Art Club is now running at the town's Beecroft Gallery, with many of the items on show for sale.

The club's Spring Selective Exhibition sees 155 pieces of art, in a wide variety of media, all specially selected for the show by a panel of professional artists.

Joining Leigh's own Jene Langley, David Embry from Ashford and Londoner Elizabeth Stone selected the pieces from about 250 oils, watercolours, acrylics, ceramics and pottery submitted and awarded prizes.

An early buyer at the exhibition was Southend's mayor Nora Goodman, who went home with a vase by Westcliff sculptor Duncan Ross.

But her chauffeur was delighted to find that the painting that caught his eye was also judged to be the pick of the exhibition. He is now the proud owner of the watercolour that won the "most meritorious work in any style or media" award.

The painting by Ian Deaves is of South Street, Rochford on a summer morning, with strong light and dark shadows that caught both the judges' and the buyer's attention.

Mr Deaves said: "I went to the private view on Saturday and talked to the mayor's driver. He told me that he just fell in love with it."

Mr Deaves of Oxford Road, Rochford has been a keen amateur artist for 20 years and works at a local factory making picture frames.

Another success at the show was a painting of a model in authentic 18th century costume, by Gwen Arthy of Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, a second-time winner. Gwen was awarded the best oil painting prize.

Best drawing award went to Pam Ellingford, and best watercolour to Brian Jones. Norman Ventris, the club's exhibition secretary, said: "The judges were very complimentary. In fact everyone has been very pleased at the standard."

All the art works will remain on display at the Beecroft Art Gallery, Station Road, Westcliff until April 3.

The club's second annual show, at Southend's Central Library in the autumn, has an open entry.

The Southend Art Club has been going since before the Second World War, and now has a membership of 245, though new active members are welcome to join.

For membership details, contact the Southend Art Club's chairman John Rumsby on 01702 332927.

View - Best watercolour went to Brian Jones for his View from Shaftesbury.

(Right) Cyclamen and Tea Towel, by Charles Thompson

Period piece - Gwen Arthy took the prize for best oil painting for her Lucy in Costume

(Below right) Drawing a winner - The Felix de Havilland Cup for best drawing was won by Pam Ellingford, for her Reflections in Thought

Best in show - Ian Deaves with his watercolour South Street, Rochford

Pictures: STEVE O'CONNELL<

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