THE man behind the Rainforest Clothing Company based in Ruspidge has developed another string to his bow – showing fine art.
"A good deal of our clothing was marketed through the agricultural shows and the foot and mouth outbreak last year knocked this side for six," said Robin Caulkett.
"I applied for a relief grant and this enable me to move my collection of art into the chapel workshop in Ruspidge and this is now on show.
"I figured that if I could attract people in to see the paintings and sculpture I might also interest them in some of the rainwear – and this is starting to work surprisingly well."
Robin said he had been collecting fine art for the past 35 years and most of the work he was showing was created by renowned international artist Lenard Creo, who lives and works near Ross on Wye and is a personal friend.
"They are mainly oils and they are quite fun, mostly landscapes, together with a few sculptures. There is some other work too, including a Turner etching of the confluence of the Severn and the Wye.
"Lenard is very widely shown in the United States and I have between 40 and 50 of his works, from small to quite large."
A small number of the paintings belonging to the artist can be bought but Robin's own paintings are not for sale.
Robin is also very pleased with himself for identifying a picture hanging on a friend's wall as a valuable work by French Impressionist Cesera Helleou.
He says he hopes to show work by other top-flight artists in the future.
Anyone interested in seeing the gallery can ring for opening times on 01594 825865.