THE annual Army Arts Society exhibition was opened at the Young Gallery at Salisbury Library on Friday night by Major General Sebastian Roberts, president of the society.

There were some 250 works of art on show by 70 artists, many reflecting the theme of remembrance, and the standard was higher than ever. There were classes for Tedworth House residents and some of these reflected the trauma that these men had been through.

I spoke to one of the artists, Grant Elkin, a REME soldier who serves with 19 Tank Transporter Regiment at Bulford and who is due to be discharged shortly. “I could not draw before I went to Tedworth House,” said Grant. “I could not concentrate, but painting blocks everything out – it is a great help.”

There was a category for serving artists – the prize was won by Richard Salter with a wonderful oil entitled I Miss My Daddy Too, Said Libby to Ted’.

The veteran’s prize was won by local artist Brigadier Austin Thorpe with his mixed media RAF Memorial at Dusk. Another new category was for officer cadets, designed to encourage young artists.

The society has a new sponsor, local solicitors Trethowans. Simon Rhodes from the firm said: “The Army Arts Society is a wonderful charity and my brother, Lieutenant Colonel Jason Rhodes, who is a committee member, helped to twist my arm to get us here this evening. I am absolutely delighted because the quality of the art is amazing.”

The exhibition runs until Saturday, November 29.

Entry is free.