A gallery owner in Radlett has found herself in direct competition with a nearby exhibition centre, after it decided to display works by the same artist, at the same time.

For 16 years, independent trader Beverley McNeill, of McNeill Galleries in Watling Street, has dedicated a week at the end of January to display the work of English artist Beryl Cook.

However starting from February 1, the Radlett Centre, in Aldenham Avenue, will exhibit the same paintings and sell the same signed limited edition copies.

Beverley McNeill said: “I’ve spent years marketing, building up an incredible line of people who know to come to me each year, and as far as I can tell they’re just jumping on the bandwagon at my expense.”

“I think it’s underhanded and appalling. It’s clearly going to take some of my clientèle away.”

The Apthorp galleries of the Radlett Centre have been booked by an “outside trader”, for which Ms McNeill says is due to the “high levels of local interest in Beryl Cook’s art, due to my efforts”.

Radlett Centre administrator Stephanie Cotter, said: “It’s not intentional, we just put the events in the diary.

“Why would we do that? It’s not deliberate, it’s just one of the those things. We’re not trying to make things difficult for her.”

Ms McNeill said she first had the idea of exhibiting Beryl Cook after a chance meeting, and claims she was the first person in the UK to display a full portfolio of the artist.

She also claims that the Radlett Centre have denied all knowledge of her exhibition, despite advertising with leaflets in the foyer every year.

Ms Cotter did acknowledge the annual event but said: “We can’t memorise the events that take place every month.”