Well-known local artist and teacher, Anthony Avery was able to put all his talents into action when he was selected to take presenter, Will Millard, out for a painting lesson reminiscent of the early days of tourism in the Wye Valley.

Adventurer and writer, Will was working on a documentary for Folk Films which is based in Cardiff, telling the story of the River Wye from source to sea.

The Wye Valley has a long tradition of appealing to artists and in 1782, William Gilpin encouraged painters to visit the area and capture the beauty of the picturesque landscape. Tintern Abbey was a favourite spot and Anthony set up his easel in the same spot William Turner used when he visited and painted the ruins.

William Wordsworth also visited the area and wrote the poem, Tintern Abbey.

Anthony told the Gazette that it was amazing to be walking in the footsteps of such creative masters.

He said that Will was a good student and the session went well. They were very lucky with the weather and it was ideal for creating the colours and shadows which Anthony has captured in his own painting. But he added that his time with Will is just a small part of the documentary which will also feature Ross Regatta and salmon fishing.

The River Wye is Britain’s favourite river. Famed for its beauty and its wildlife, the documentary aims to show the development of the British love affair with the countryside and the birth of the tourist industry.

One of the reasons Anthony believes he was chosen to take part in the film is because of the location of his Man of Ross Gallery in Ross-on-Wye. He told the Ross Gazette that it is just a few metres away from the river, and a great influence, but also because he paints in a traditional style and has taught for many years.

Fate threw another opportunity his way while in Tintern filming. Anthony visited the Abbey Mill, which is a popular spot for visitors to Tintern. He said that he immediately realised that the Boat House would make the perfect studio and gallery.

In future he will be dividing his time between Ross-on-Wye and Tintern and hopes to meet friends old and new in both places.

The Boat House opens on Friday November 3rd and from then on Anthony will be there between 11am and 4pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, working in his studio. The gallery will also open at other times.