Deceased local artists' work displayed at gallery

An exhibition has opened featuring artwork by local artists who have passed away.

The event, Dead Good Artists, is hosted by the Wooden Box Gallery in Ramsgate in collaboration with Pilgrims Hospices.

Rebekah Sunshine, owner of the gallery, says it is a "privilege" to help people maintain the artistic legacy of their deceased family members.

She said the artists were all from Kent, and many of them were amateurs.

Ms Sunshine told BBC Radio Kent that when the gallery opened four years ago, people asked her what they could do with the artwork family members had left behind.

She developed the idea when a close friend passed away and his artwork was left to his family.

"I thought what happens to their creative journey when they pass away? I want to support families who are in this situation," she said.

"People hold special memories of the artwork and I think it's important to keep the memories alive rather than leaving the pieces hidden away."

Some people who have their family member's artwork displayed, told BBC Radio Kent what it meant to them.

One relative said: "Seeing his work on the wall, and hearing positive comments was moving and heartwarming. I felt strongly connected to him and I feel immensely proud."

Another said: "When I heard about the exhibition, I immediately knew I would like to submit my grandfather's work to the gallery.

"He used a lot of different mediums and materials to create, for example the back of a cornflake box. It means a lot to the family to see his artwork on display."

The gallery is also hosting workshops with Pilgrims Hospices to help families handle what it means to be a steward of an artist's legacy, and the emotional and practical burdens that comes with this responsibility.

Ms Sunshine added: "There is a lot of guilt when families are having to decide what to do with their deceased family member's artwork, especially ones that are not to your taste."

The exhibition is open from Tuesday until 26 April from 10:00 to 15:30 BST.

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