MORE than 100 people attended the first ever viewing of the launch of the works of the late artist Anthony Brandt, on Saturday, June 20 at the Old Chapel, Siloam Shalom, Aberyscir, near Brecon.

Keen to preserve the artist's legacy who lived in the Brecon Beacons from the late 1970s until his death in 2009, the London based solicitor and executor of Brandt's estate, George Keppe, who lives at the Old Chapel, was central to Saturday's proceedings.

He told us: "The launch was well received by all who appreciated both the art and garden surroundings. The museum will be open by appointment only, however I am linking up with Brecon Museum and the Brecon tourist information centre so that anyone wanting to go round the museum is able to telephone our curator, Louise Body, who lives close to the chapel, will then be able to show the guests round."

Brandt, born in 1925, spent most of his early life in London. In 1956, he met a highly sought after artist's model and ballerina called Mitzi who at the time was modelling and dating the famous artist Sir William Russell Flint. She instantly fell in love with Brandt and a year later they were living together. On the 30th anniversary of their first meeting, they were married. Mitzi inspired Brandt's lifelong obsession with the human figure, and she was the subject of many of his paintings and drawings.

In 1975 they bought an old derelict chapel in the Brecon Beacons. Brandt converted part of the building into a studio and lived and worked there with Mitzi until his death six years ago.

Brandt is described by those in the art world as 'taking the very best of classic art and unashamedly remoulding and contorting it into a new vision, creating a unique and rare modern style.'

For the full story get your copy of this weeks Brecon & Radnor Express - on sale now.