'Twas the best of days...

11.20am on the morning of the BIG DAY! Peter Smith had agreed to an exclusive visit at the Acorn Gallery! Back by popular demand! The invitations and the press releases had all been sent, the fabulous new work adorned the carefully hung walls... so where was everyone?

We'd had a couple of people in, looking around and chatting, there'd been a gentleman with his little girl, busy on the Saturday kids clubs runaround, keen to pop back but couldn't be sure... and not a sign of anyone else!

Pocklington was quiet, not many souls about, although at least we knew Peter and Jayne had arrived because they'd popped in to say 'hi' before going next door to The Deli for a coffee. (They have great coffee at The Deli!).

Let's just say John and I were getting a tad nervous, looking round at the beautifully spick and span gallery, carefully dusted, hoovered and mopped and with plates and bowls of carefully chosen nibbles located at suitable intervals!

Peter and Jayne arrived, suitably refreshed after their journey, they had made good time and the traffic was good! We welcomed them with open arms and then it began!

A steady trickle of savvy collectors came through the door, keen to get here early for anything special! For one very special couple they were suitably rewarded for being so prompt! Following their wedding just one week ago, this very lucky couple came along to choose a gift from their wedding guests!

They were able to say 'yes' to two fantastic brand new pencil sketches made available to The Acorn Gallery at the very last minute on Friday!

Champagne flowed and the people just kept coming! Sometimes in two's and sometimes they just poured in! The gallery got pretty full at times and we were kept busy not just chatting and topping up glasses... but selling too! Peters latest work proved incredibly popular with 'Hug Me' and 'Cuddle Me' taking an early lead! 'For The One I Love' caught up quick and 'Sofa Loafers' and 'Together We Make A Family' made a good stand too!

The gallery got very full indeed - so full that I just didn't get chance to take any photos until after it quietened down!

You think this is busy? This wasn't the busiest!!

Peter was fantastic - he spent good quality time with everyone who wanted him and his stories were told over and over again!

John and I were kept on our toes with sale after sale. Peter was signing and dedicating left, right and centre!

Good job he brought a good selection of markers with him - they were put to very good use!

Here are just a few of the lucky people whose chosen images were remarqued on the day!

Two fantastic originals found a home as a result of todays event too - here are the proud owners of 'All You Need Is Love' who came over to Pocklington especially to meet Peter and collect their brand new piece!

Sales came fast and furious and we even had a queue at one point - many thanks to those who waited so patiently :-)

About 2pm we had a lull for 5 minutes - just long enough to catch our breath and bring down some fresh glasses!

We loved it! It is great to see so many people happily chatting and enjoying the work on display! I'm sure the sunshine and the champagne helped but everyone was in good mood and the gallery was buzzing!

Finally, long after the 3pm finish time had passed, Peter and Jayne were able to take their leave. They had seen and spoken with a significant number of collectors! It is always nice to meet up again with regular customers and collectors but it's lovely to meet new people too! There had been plenty of both that day!