Seedy guys, femmes fatales and hard-boiled characters have been seen lurking amongst the exhibits in the Bushey Museum.

A new exhibition, “Film Noir: Shots in the Dark” is a departure from the traditional features housed at the museum.

Alec Just, from the museum, said: “For a real taste of the Noir way of life, from the highs to the lows, this is something for film aficionados and art-lovers alike.

Artist Robin Parker, who was born in Oxhey created the paintings, inspired by the golden age of the Hollywood crime film.

Fans of John Huston, Jacques Tourneur, Humphrey Bogart and Orson Welles will appreciate the use of traditional methods to create a modern result.

The exhibition runs until January 31 next year. Admission is free, and opening times are Thursday to Sunday, 11 am to 4 pm.