A PAINTING of a newspaper pioneer reunited former Salisbury Journal journalists last week for a special viewing at Salisbury Museum.

Benjamin Collins, who co-founded this very newspaper with his brother William in 1729, was a pioneer of his day and his portrait had proudly followed the Journal, wherever it was based.

After a relocation of the Journal offices, the painting was handed over to Salisbury Museum in August last year on long-term loan.

Salisbury Journal: Megan Berrisford, collections manager at Salisbury Museum with the painting of Salisbury Journal co founder Benjamin Collins. Picture by Roger Elliott

Former Journal features writer and entertainments editor Anne Morris organised a special viewing of the portrait for 14 members of the editorial team - past and present.

READ MORE: Workers speak of shock after losing their jobs with Byron Burger

Museum collections manager Megan Berrisford welcomed the party to the lecture room where the painting was proudly displayed. Megan explained that the painting will be joining portraits of other eminent figures in Salisbury's history which are in the museum's collection and are planned to go on display in a new Salisbury History Gallery.

Anne said the painting is a significant part of Salisbury's history and is now in its "rightful home".

"Benjamin Collins was one of the founding fathers of the Salisbury Journal. Now that his portrait is safely installed at Salisbury Museum, hopefully he can be a future part of the history of Salisbury and more people will know about the importance of the newspaper.

The Salisbury Journal remains one of the longest-running newspapers in the UK. It faltered slightly at the start but has been published continuously since 1736.

Benjamin was the main force behind the Journal, taking the title to be one of the most widely circulated regional newspapers in England.