A DESCENDANT of Knutsford artist Edward Penny is to open a major exhibition at Knutsford Heritage Centre telling the story of the artist’s life.

Edward Penny, who lived from 1714 to 1791, was one of the founder members of The Royal Academy.

He was born in Silk Mill Street, Knutsford, and the Freemasons Arms bears a Blue Plaque to acknowledge his birthplace.

The exhibition runs from May 1 to August 28, and is to be opened by Andrew Penny from Preston.

The opening will be attended by invited guests, including Lord and Lady Ashbrook, Lord Ashbrook being the president of the heritage centre.

The exhibition will feature images of Edward Penny’s paintings and art work by local artists Sheila Scholes, Emma Williams, Steve Wall and Diane Birkitt.

During the exhibition there will also be demonstrations by artists Diane Bernice Tackley and Lindsay Brogan.

“This is an important exhibition, because not many people know about Edward Penny, and this is the first exhibition about him that I know of in Knutsford,” said centre manager Val Bryant.

“We are inviting people to come and find out more about Edward Penny and his family.”

The exhibition will open from Tuesday to Saturday from 11am to 4pm and Sunday from 2pm to 5pm.