THE Salt Museum on London Road, Northwich has acquired an oil painting by local artist WH Hutchings.

The painting shows haystacks in a field at Marston, and is the first work of Hutchings’ the museum has obtained.

WH Hutchings (1885-1962) was born in Liverpool and trained at Liverpool School of Art, but moved to Northwich after The Great War and worked as a clerk at Brunner

Mond (later ICI) for 49 years.

He was a founder member and former chairman of

Northwich Society of Artists.

Museum curator Matt Wheeler said: “We are delighted to acquire one of Hutchings’ paintings, particularly as it is of a local scene.

“It’s also great timing as our current exhibition looks

at his life and work and I hope to find some space to add this new item to the display.”

The exhibition runs until January 11 and admission is free. The museum is open Tuesday to Friday from 10am-5pm (2-5pm at weekends).