Watercolour paintings to be sold for charity in memory of late Frome stalwart

Watercolour prints of local doors, painted by late Frome stalwart John Birkett-Smith, are being exhibited and sold in his memory, with proceeds going to Amyloidosis UK, the charity supporting research into the rare disease which he died from in July.

The exhibition at Rook Lane Chapel on 11th and 12th October, will showcase John’s paintings. He lived in Frome for over 35 years and was a prominent member of the community: he served as mayor from  1994 to 1995, was a Liberal Democrat town councillor, active in the local history society, led Frome Town Walks, was a trustee of the Cheese and Grain, and a passionate supporter of Frome Festival.

John lived with amyloidosis for over 10 years, a rare condition where a protein called amyloid builds up in your body.

Before he died, John painted over 25 Frome doors, some of which he sold before he moved away to Cambridge with his wife, Caroline, to be closer to family. The remainder were left with local resident Karin Campagna to be sold for charity at a later date.

“Now with the support of Sara Godfrey and NVB architects, I am curating an exhibition of 15 paintings to be sold in aid of Amyloidosis UK,” said Karin. “Each original watercolour is to be sold for £95, John’s suggestion; selling all 15 would raise just short of £1,500 for the charity.”

John was also a long-time owner of  Hunting Raven Books (now Winstone’s Hunting Raven Books), which he purchased in 2000.

Karin, who worked with John at Hunting Raven Books in early 2001 said, “It may have been while leading Frome Town Walks that he was inspired to paint so many of the interesting and beautiful doors in the town. I worked for them for 16 years, and in the latter years became manager once John became ill.

“Over the years, our formal employer–employee relationship grew into a friendship. They were fair and supportive employers, celebrating each year of their ownership with a Hunting Raven Books birthday dinner at various local eateries.”

There is a preview evening of the exhibition on Friday 10th October from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. The exhibition will take place on 11th and 12th October from 2pm to 4pm.

Donations can be made at https://www.justgiving.com/page/johnbirkettsmith