An exhibition on a prominent Victorian painter from Hitchin has opened at North Herts Museum.

Samuel Lucas was born in Hitchin in 1805, and lived in the town until his death in 1870.

His family were Quakers, and he was primarily a businessman, farmer and brewer, who painted in his spare time.

The Comet: A self-portrait of Samuel Lucas, who was born in Hitchin in 1805.A self-portrait of Samuel Lucas, who was born in Hitchin in 1805. (Image: North Herts Council)

Some of his work is in the British Museum's collection, and his artworks have also been displayed at the Royal Academy.

He is perhaps best known for his large oil painting of Hitchin Market Place as it looked in 1840 - a work that is on permanent display at North Herts Museum.

The Comet: Samuel Lucas painted Hitchin Market Place, as it looked in 1840.Samuel Lucas painted Hitchin Market Place, as it looked in 1840. (Image: North Herts Council)

Now, the museum has opened a temporary exhibition dedicated to his watercolours and drawings, with more than 40 artworks covering his interest in local landscapes and wildlife, as well as his involvement in the anti-slavery movement as a Quaker.

Cllr Tamsin Thomas, deputy executive member for arts & enterprise at North Herts Council, said: “Samuel Lucas is a very important artist, farmer and anti-slaver for North Herts.

"This exhibition focuses on his detailed sketch drawings and watercolours with his unique style and technique.”

The exhibition is open until Sunday, November 12, and entrance is free.

North Herts Museum is located on Brand Street in Hitchin, and is open from 10.30am until 4.30pm Tuesdays to Saturdays, and from 11am until 3pm on Sundays.