THE sister of a West Devon man who became the subject of a photography exhibition at the Wharf in Tavistock got to see the stunning black and white pictures of her brother for the first time last week.
Mary Williams, 88, made a special trip to come and see the exhibition and said there were some 'lovely photographs' of her eldest brother, who died two years ago.
'It is emotional, there are a lot of memories here for me, but I'm pleased to see the pictures,' she said.
The late Bill Friend, who was 87 years-old when the project first began over three years ago, lived and worked on the land for most of his life. He lived in a lock-keepers cottage at Lumburn, near Tavistock for more than half a century with no road access, running water, gas or central heating.
Mrs Williams said that with no running water her brother had to go and get water from a lock over a bridge at the bottom of his land.
She said her brother was a 'real character' and would have enjoyed being the centre of attention in a gallery exhibition.
Photographer Alexander Kent captured the struggles of Mr Friend's latter years at the cottage, and the photographs also showed him at his happiest out in the fields where he lived and worked.
Mr Friend was an avid hunt follower and a county rifle champion. 'He loved animals and birds. He was a proper country man,' said Mrs Williams.
Mr Friend cared little for 'home comforts', and had a true independent spirit, captured in splendid detail throughout the exhibition.
Mr Friend was born at Peter Tavy, his father worked at Pitts Cleave quarry and later was involved in the building of Burrator Reservoir.
Mrs Williams was accompanied to the exhibition by friend and Tavistock councillor Caroline Keane.
The exhibition entitled 'Green and Pleasant: Photographs from Rural England', ends its run at the Wharf Gallery tomorrow.