Falmouth Art Gallery has used money from the Heritage Lottery Fund to buy a painting by West Cornwall-based artist Michael J Strang entitled ‘Cherry Blossom with Bees’. In addition, the prolific and hugely collectable artist is donating three other studies to Falmouth’s collection.

Michael Strang is a great admirer of the work of George Frederick Watts, often referred to as the Victorian Michaelangelo, and has own work has often followed a similar approach to that of the great artist. In 2006, that shared approach was recognised in a hugely prestigious joint exhibition at the Lewis Elton Gallery at Surrey University in Guildford when Michael Strang was invited to exhibit his work alongside that of Watts. The painting he has sold to Falmouth Art Gallery will also be displayed alongside the gallery’s own Watts’ painting.

“I’m absolutely delighted to have been able to add Michael Strang’s work to Falmouth’s collection,’ said Brian Stewart, the gallery’s curator. ‘As well as exhibiting it beside ‘Britomart’ by George Frederick Watts, we will also be including it in ‘Species’, our Darwin 200 exhibition which will run from 25 April to 27 June next year.”

Michael Strang’s professional career spans thirty five years. His stunning, memorable works have been exhibited in galleries throughout the UK, Europe and America – including the Royal Academy, Tate Gallery St Ives, Christie’s, London’s Bond Street and Cork Street.

“I feel very honoured to be included in Falmouth Art Gallery’s collection and am really looking forward to seeing ‘Species’ next year,” said Michael Strang.