When Tony Winning visited Launceston in 1953 with the Army Cadet Force, he fell in love with the place. Twenty-seven years ago he made the move here, and two years ago he opened his very own little gallery, opposite the Westgate Inn.

Tony, an artist and all-round nice chap with many a story to tell, welcomed us in with a firm handshake and an eagerness to get us sat down for a chat. Covered floor to ceiling with unique paintings on canvas, slate and whatever he can get his hands on, Winning’s Gallery is the epitome of Cornish identity, with nature, wildlife and community taking centre stage.

His love of art and painting came about as a young boy when he painted some matchstick men for his Nan. In return for the little painting, she placed some coins in his hand and off he went to buy some sweets, when a lightbulb moment struck - he could make money from art!

Spurred on by his art teacher at school, Mr Shaw, who Tony says was one of his main inspirations, he went on to continue painting. While in the building trade, he would go door-to-door with his work, selling to local people.

Tony has certainly led a colourful life as an artist, having been a member of the Free Painters and Sculptors Society in London, worked on stage with a dear friend, and had his own gallery on the Barbican.

He added: “I’ve been very lucky, I’ve met some interesting people and travelled a lot, but here we are back in Launceston - the place I love dearly.”

Tony welcomes enquiries for commissions. Simply pop into Winning’s Gallery, if only for a look around.