ENJOY a socially distanced perusal at an art exhibition — perfectly timed to open its doors as lockdown is eased.

An exhibition of coastal and maritime oil paintings, watercolours and prints by some of Britain’s leading artists opens at Ventnor Botanic Garden on Saturday, July 4.

Exhibits include artworks by Martin Swan, a past vice president of the Royal Society of Marine Artists, and Martyn Mackrill, who is one of the leading British painters of yachting, seascapes and coastal scenes.

The exhibition also includes a fine selection of exceptionally detailed coastal scenes by Colin Richens, of Christchurch, and a collection of watercolours by distinguished architect and artist, the late David Addey, drawn from his 450 views of the British coast painted between 1990-2000.

The show also exhibits watercolours by the late Cavendish Morton, of Bembridge, Becky Samuelson, of St Helens, as well as many other Island scenes painted between the 1770s and the present day.

It is the 38th major exhibition to be arranged by Professor Robin McInnes since 1984.

The exhibition is open daily from 10am to 4pm, until Sunday, July 12.

Admission is free.

Covid-19 distancing measures will be in place.