MORE than 100 members and guests gathered at Haslemere Museum for the private view of the town art society’s 122nd annual exhibition. Guests included South West Surrey Tory MP Jeremy Hunt and Haslemere Mayor Sahran Abeysundara.

This year was the inaugural presentation of the Allan Thomson Award, an open award for any exhibition entry chosen from all categories. The first winner of the award, which will be presented annually, was Brezetta Thonger for her seascape painting ‘Shade’.

The runner-up was Joanne Thomson – no relatiion to Allan – for a sculpture ‘Brighton Bell.’

Haslemere Art Society committee member Maggie Harker said: “Allan has been a member of the society since 1971 and is highly regarded as a watercolour painter and for his much loved classes which he has been giving for the society since 1987.

“It was particularly special as this year Allan judged the entries himself and so was able to choose the first winner.

“Both Jeremy Hunt and the mayor stayed for the presentation which was given by society chairman Kaja van Walt. It was a lively and enjoyable evening.”

During the week long exhibition, more than £3,000 of art work was sold which was Maggie said, “a tribute to the popularity and quality of the exhibition.”

Clare Bowen’s oil painting ‘A Bowl of Cherries’ and David Culpin’s sculpture ‘Wave Form’ by were voted by visitors as the most popular “people’s choice” exhibits.