AN ARTISTIC group is feeling optimistic about its summer exhibition, despite the possible sale of their “vital” studio meaning it may be their last.

The Barnet Guild of Artists opened its 68th annual summer exhibition at Pennefather Hall, in St Albans Road, on Wednesday.

A studio run by the guild for its members to use is on the grounds of The Whalebones, in Wood Street, which was the home of the guild’s founder Gwyneth Cowing.

Trustees of the land are now considering selling it on to developers and, if the studio is not preserved, the guild may no longer be able to host its annual exhibitions.

Chair of the guild Nichola Hunt Peasnell said: “If the studio were to be raised to the ground without a replacement being built it would end a community hub for artists that has been in place for years.

“Barnet is not well served for artists and the loss of the Whalebones studio would only serve to isolate many to whom the studio is a way to integrate with like-minded people.

“We are determined that the trustees will look after our needs and not let us down.”

Ms Peasnell said the trustees told her they would “hand on heart” do all they could to preserve the studio and the Barnet Beekeepers meeting space which sits alongside it.

The annual exhibition showcases the work of over 100 amateur artists who are members of the long-standing guild.

Its opening night saw many Barnet residents in attendance, including MP for Chipping Barnet Theresa Villiers.

Member of the guild committee Dawn Limbert said: “The turnout was quite inspiring, there were times when you could not move in the hall because of the sheer number of people packed in.

“I hope we can continue to run these exhibitions which bring so much colour and wonder to Barnet, we want to make sure we can keep up our lovely output of art.”

The guild’s summer exhibition at Pennefather Hall will continue until Saturday August 6, open daily from 10am to 7pm.