A brand-new gallery is opening up in Bridport's art and vintage quarter - where you will be able to buy pieces from prolific art forger Billy Mumford.

Not only that, but owner - and avid art collector - James Hartey has what is thought to be the biggest private art collection in the country with more than 60,000 pieces.

He has teamed up with other artists - including illustrator of Postman Pat, Rupert the Bear, Noddy and more - to bring Global Art Galleries and Bridport Vintage Warehouse to St Michael's Trading Estate.

James currently owns the Courtyard Craft Centre in Lychett Minister, which provides units for around 20 small businesses. He also owned and ran Global Art Acquisitions and Investments Ltd, which he has now relocated from Bournemouth to Bridport.

The 'jewel in the crown' is the reformed master forger Billy Mumford. Billy fooled auction houses into accepting his works as those of many famous artists during the late 1990s and early 2000s. As a result, he was sentenced to two years, spending two months in Wandsworth prison and six months in Ford open prison before being released on licence.

Billy now paints exclusively for Global Art and spends his time appearing on TV, radio and holding lunch talks across the country. James has written a fascinating book on Billy, which can also be found at the gallery.

A permanent exhibition of Billy Mumford's work will be on sale at the Bridport gallery next to Ocean Bathrooms on St Michael's Lane, along with a large collection of modern and vintage art and collectables.

Two additional major players in the art world are Peter Longden and Nigel Hughes who will both be showing and selling their work at the gallery.

Peter Longden, world acclaimed illustrator of Postman Pat, Rupert Bear, Noddy and Bugs Bunny, Budgie The Little Helicopter - written by Sarah Ferguson Duchess of York - plus a host of other well-known children's favourites. Peter has also published his own 'Major Tom' series of books.

Artist and author Nigel Hughes has had a distinguished career in art with accolades too long to list. His artwork has been largely used for illustrations, he has written four books as well as reviews and articles, including for Country Life.

The gallery, opening on April 15, will be more than rooms filled with artwork, it will be a destination, and as James says, he doesn't sell the art he gives them the story behind it and they end up buying it. Which is why he has had people come back again and again.

Look up Billy, Peter and Nigel and go and see the works for yourself and listen to the numerous fascinating stories the owner has.

Don't forget to sign up to our newsletter below!

You can submit your own news straight to Bridport Nub News by using the 'Nub It' button on our home page. This can also be done for events on our What's On page and businesses, groups and organisations on our Local Listings page , also by using the 'Nub It' button.

Please like and follow our online newspaper on your favourite social media channel. You can find us @BridportNubNews on Facebook and Twitter.