TALENTED artists have been overwhelmed by the response to their first exhibition.

Nigel and Bev Caleno, who run the Old Banks Studios, in Kings Head Street, Harwich, have been running an exhibition for the past five years in conjunction with the Harwich Festival of Arts.

The studios, which predominantly concentrate on running classes and workshops with professional tutors and artists, were looking forward to three months of a fully booked programme when lockdown struck.

Mrs Caleno, 55, a textile artist and tutor, said after the initial shock and some serious rescheduling, they decided to dedicate the time to painting, which was described as a “luxury which they would normally not be able to justify”.

She said both herself and her husband managed to do about 60 artworks, which they had professionally framed and displayed.

Mrs Caleno added: “It was a difficult decision to put on our own exhibition as usually we run a gallery along with the Harwich Festival and showcase tutors who teach here.

“They are generally professional artists and it’s a lot easier to champion other artists than it is your own work.

"The pop-up gallery surpassed all expectations.

"We had fantastic support and sales increased dramatically.

“This was immensely satisfying as this is the first year we have only exhibited our own work.”