A BROAD brush of subjects related to West Devon will catch the eye at a week-long exhibition starting in Tavistock on Saturday.

The display of paintings by Elford Fine Art opens at The Gallery in Drake Road, Tavistock this Saturday (February 18).

Among the works will be a rare engraving, from an 18th century drawing, recording the remaining buildings and grounds of the once magnificent Tavistock Abbey. The drawing was made by brothers Samuel and Nathaniel Buck, who visited Tavistock in 1734, and their engraving is inscribed with a history of the Abbey, including how it was gifted by Henry VIII to the first Earl of Bedford, John Russell.

With the popularity of the film 'War Horse' — based on the book by Devon author Michael Murpurgo and filmed partly on Dartmoor — a poignant oil painting by British artist Dora Watson of forlorn war horses being led through the streets of a Flanders in the first world war is one of the exhibition highlights.

It also includes traditional and contemporary oils and watercolours with an emphasis on the region's magnificent scenery. Widgery enthusiasts will discover a selection by father and son, William and Frederick John.

Two masterful oils by F J show the River Lyd in torrent and a calm Dartmoor sunset, while William has captured Lydford Gorge in summer and autumn in two stunning canvasses.

A collection of colourful moorland scenes also includes Cadover by William Snell Morrish, Clearbrook by Philip Mitchell and views near Tavistock by Charles Edward Brittan with other scenes featuring the Rivers Tamar, Tavy, Dart and Yealm.

Exhibition opening times are 10.30 am to 4.30 pm —closed on Sunday.

For more information and a colour catalogue call 07712 137272 or visit http://www.elfordfineart.co.uk">www.elfordfineart.co.uk