Gallery ropes in first artists to mark event staff never expected to see

The Ropewalk in Barton, based in a former rope factory dating from 1800, is staging an exhibition of paintings by the five artists featured in its debut display in 2000.

It is run by the Waterside Artists' co-operative, who are welcoming back two husband and wife artists – David and Avril Morris, and Edith and Walter Cook – and Twink Addison.

Exhibitions officer Richard Hatfield, 50, one of the artists working in the huge building, which covers a quarter of a mile, said he was delighted to look back on 10 successful years.

He said: "In the visual arts it's difficult to survive without subsidies and we've seen lots of places come and go; we are amazed we are still going.

"We thought it would be a nice touch get the artists back who took part in the original show in April 2000."

The gallery, which has a music and theatre venue, has had 272,451 visitors over a decade.

Mr Hatfield said highlights included the visit of Barbados Prime Minister Owen Arthur in 2007, and an appearance by Clement Freud in the theatre.

Five Lincolnshire Painters, opens on Saturday and will run until May 30.see