A POPULAR shopkeeper who ran the Compleat Artist in Salisbury for more than 30 years has died, aged 66.

Martyn Kennard took over the specialist art supplies shop in 1980 with his wife, Victoria.

Well known for painting the Crane Street store in a range of vibrant colours (he worked his way through the colour spectrum), he enjoyed creating a little controversy and was delighted when a bright purple shade caused a stir in the city.

When interviewed by the Journal about it, he maintained that purple was a medieval colour and was thus in keeping with Salisbury, adding that all publicity was good publicity. Born in the New Forest, in Bransgore, he was one of six brothers and went to school in Norfolk and Somerset.

He married in 1973, initially living in Blandford and working for Royal Insurance before buying a small farm in Dorset, and had three daughters.

Moving to Salisbury in 1981, the family later moved to Alderbury where they lived for more than 20 years.

He greatly enjoyed running the Compleat Artist until recent ill health forced him to become less involved – his final project being to create a website for the shop (www.compleatartist.co.uk).

The store, which has a successful mail order business, draws customers from far and wide and was named one of the 12 best Traditional Art Shops by the Artists & Illustrators magazine.

Although not an artist himself, Mr Kennard’s first wife was, and she taught art to many of the shop’s customers. A great supporter of the Salisbury Group of Artists, he attended private views with enthusiasm and sponsored events in the local community.

He was a keen glider pilot for many years, being a member of the Bath, Wilts and North Dorset Gliding Club, and his love of the New Forest remained his favourite destination for long walks.

His daughters, who are planning to paint the shop purple once again in memory of their father, will keep the Compleat Artist as a family business, under the current management.

Daughter Lydia, an artist and oil painting restorer for London dealerships, said: “He will be remembered with great affection by his family, friends, and all who knew him. He was a familiar figure in the city chatting away to customers and friends, a raconteur with a zest for life, and with a genuine interest in people and their lives. He will be missed by many, for his lively and eminently loveable presence.”

He died from cancer on March 11 and a memorial service took place in Bransgore on April 5. Donations to the Countess of Brecknock Hospice in Andover are welcome.

He is survived by three daughters and two grandsons.