Most of the Burr Bequest paintings now on show at Watford Museum have spent the last 28 years languishing in the basement waiting, like the rest of us, for the town to “grow” a proper public art gallery.

Not a thing to harp on about in the current financial climate, so all the more credit to arts and culture manager, Marion Duffin, and her team for digging out and dusting down this amazing collection of more than 40 works of art by painters, whose works are more commonly seen at world famous galleries.

Standing there looking at 17th and 18th English and northern European landscapes, farm scenes, still lifes and portraits in original, ornate frames, many with brass plaques, I had to pinch myself to believe I was seeing this show in the relatively modest Space2 gallery in Watford.

Especially as all the information I could wish for was supplied in a 50-page catalogue produced for the exhibition by international art expert, Dr Laurie Harwood, a delightful American lady, who happens to live in Watford.

The catalogue is sponsored by the Friends of Watford Museum. I mention this because it restored a nice, warm feeling that we still have people in Watford, who understand and care about sharing cultural heritage.

The way a certain philanthropist, Edward Thomas Burr Esq. (1843-1930) decided to leave his valuable collection of art to Watford Public Library to adorn its reading rooms and reception area back in 1930.

The library’s sizable collection of art was transferred to Watford Museum, when it opened in 1981.

The size and importance of the collection came to light in 1992, when Laurie Harwood compiled a catalogue, Paintings and Watercolour Drawings in the Watford Museum, with details of more than 230 works of art by 100 artists.

Museum curator at the time, Andrew Lewis, stated on this occasion that the collection was “as good, if not better than many you can view in many London galleries”.

His words echoed from the past as I stood there, delighting in just 47 of the works being put on public show, hoping and wishing people take advantage of a rare chance to view some of the town’s hidden treasures.

The show continues until February 14, when I suppose most of the pictures will disappear back into their hiding place in the basement.

The good news is that Marion Duffin and her crew are planning a similar treat for the future with a chance to view another sizeable collection, The Blakeley Bequest, which was left to Watford by Major Armand Blackley (1891-1965), who was the director of the picture restorers and shippers, James Bourlet and Sons.

Laurie Harwood is already working on the catalogue...