Norfolk's undiscovered paintings

Inside Out - Felix Bernasconi

One of the most important collections of art East Anglia has seen in decades was on the verge of being burnt before John Bridges intervened.

Artwork by Felix Bernasconi was discovered in his Norfolk cottage by his nephew John.

"I was clearing the cottage and as I went to put some boxes on the bonfire, I noticed some paintings," said John.

The paintings have been on show in a gallery in Holt and some have sold for hundreds of pounds.

Not only have the paintings and illustrations been on display, they have also been collated in a book.

John, who had problems reading and writing, was responsible for this achievement.

"I've really pushed myself beyond what I imagined I could do to catalogue Felix's work," said John.

As John sorted through the collection it was like turning the pages of a book of Felix's life.

There were sketches from his WWII duties on convoys - he was torpedoed four times - his wife Joan's service in the Land Army and then onto his later pictures of Norfolk life.

That's meant not only learning about art, but also turning back the clock to rediscover the scenes and places Felix captured 50 years ago.

"I've gone all the way around the county trying to identify the places that Felix painted," said John.

An art gallery in Holt commissioned a special exhibition, which managed to sell an impressive 61 paintings in five days.