THE winners of awards in memory of two popular Watchet artistic leaders will be decided by a public vote as the culmination of this summer’s successful series of exhibitions at the town’s Mayfly Studio.

Announcing their art and photography awards, Watchet Conservation Society said they were in memory of artist, gallery-owner, and local historian Nick Cotton, who died last December, and of Bob Cramp, former society chairman and internationally recognised photographer, who died in April, 2023.

Before his death, Nick had planned this year’s Mayfly Studio programme, having dreamed up the generous scheme to offer free one-week exhibition space to local artists, craftspeople, and charities.

Watchet photographer Bob Cramp, who died in 2023.
Watchet photographer Bob Cramp, who died in 2023. PHOTO: Terry Walker. ( )

Participants can collect application forms from Watchet Visitor Centre, Radio Museum, or Market House Museum and hand artwork or photographs into the Mayfly Studio during the week of August 19-25.

Entrants are asked to take their work to the gallery in Swain Street as early as possible during the week so that as many possible exhibits are on view and the organisers can run the event smoothly.

Each entry will be numbered and listed.

They will then be on show during the following week when visitors will have the chance to vote for their favourite art piece and photograph.

The award results will be announced on September 1.

A distinguished painter in his own right, Nick’s Lynda Cotton Gallery represented a number of contemporary artists and hosted several major exhibitions.

He wrote extensively on local history.

A leading commercial photographer, Bob created images for major advertising campaigns including the iconic Conservative Party poster ‘Britain Isn’t Working’, claimed to have helped Mrs Thatcher to victory.

A conservation society spokesperson said: “These awards are a chance for the multi-talented local arts community to show the public their passions and talents.

“All ages, skill-sets, and media will be accepted.”

Society chairman Rob Hutchings said both Nick and Bob had made a major contribution to arts and creativity in the town.

He said: “They are both sadly missed and these awards are some small recognition of the work they did to encourage people with talents to realise their potential.”