A NEW fine art gallery is opening in Winchester High Street this weekend.

Canvas Gallery will show off its collection of contemporary art at a launch event on Saturday.

The London-based firm said Winchester's "rich cultural heritage" made it the "perfect place" to open a new branch.

Original artwork and signed prints will be available at the event, between 2pm and 6pm.

As a partnership gallery of British publisher Washington Green Fine Art, Canvas Gallery stocks work from a wide range of contemporary artists in various genres. Since its launch in 1986, Washington Green has published original works and limited edition collections from hundreds of acclaimed artists including Scotland’s one to watch Stuart McAlpine Miller, international Pop artist Romero Britto and legendary singer Bob Dylan.

Having launched in 2008 with a gallery in Wimbledon Village, Canvas Gallery has enjoyed seven years of success in the competitive fine art market. Its newest venture in Winchester promises to build on the reputation for quality that it came to be known for in south west London, bringing the very best in contemporary artwork to the city of Winchester.

Other names that can be found on Canvas Gallery’s walls include abstract figurative artist Carly Ashdown, and low brow pop surrealist artist Robert Oxley. Visitors to the gallery can expect a varied events calendar featuring artist appearances throughout the year with names such as critically acclaimed John Myatt, the infamous art forger turned professional artist, exhibiting at the gallery.

Chris Mabire, owner of Canvas Gallery, said: “Following seven successful years for Canvas Gallery in London, we decided to expand our offering by opening a gallery in Winchester. We felt Winchester was the perfect place for our new venture with its fabulous mix of independent shops, restaurants and rich cultural heritage.

“Canvas Gallery stocks only the very best in contemporary artwork and visitors to the gallery can expect to find works from cultural icons such as Bob Dylan and Ronnie Wood adorning the walls alongside up and coming artists such as Robert Oxley and Carly Ashdown who are causing real wave in the art world.”

To register your interest in the launch event email info@canvasgallery.com or call 01962 708400.