BARROW'S best-known artist John Duffin sold almost all of his paintings included in a recent exhibition at the Dock Museum.

On the last day of the exhibition Duffin described it as an "incredibly successful show".

He revealed around 80 per cent of the pieces had been sold and he has taken on a number of commissions from visitors to the exhibition.

The show, which opened on March 30, included oil paintings of the Sir John Barrow Monument, The Nan Tait Centre and Walney Lighthouse.

The subject of another, of The Mail's offices in Abbey Road, was suggested by reporter Amy Fenton because the building is up for sale.

"I managed to create a painting that shows it off well - lights on as the staff finish copy on a winter evening with the sky darkening outside," the artist said.

"That building has been a good friend to generations of Barrovians and it will be sad to see it no longer a publishing house."

As he handed over pieces purchased by exhibition visitors on Saturday Duffin described how he decides whether or not to take on a commission.

"It would have to be something that interested me," he said.

"And I can't be rushed; I have to do a good job of something and won't ever rush it.

"I like to plan six to eight months ahead but some pieces take longer.

"I've just finished a large commissioned painting of the Duke of Edinburgh and that's taken me 14 months to complete."

Duffin revealed that many of his commissions are for less iconic subjects such as someone's house or a view from an unusual standpoint in Barrow.

His paintings often involve the subjects depicted in a rainy scene.

"I like the rain and what it does to the drama of the lights," he explained.

"It makes the scene look really interesting if the lights are reflected.

"I'm also drawn to the dusk at the and of the day.

"It's like wringing the last bit out of the day."

Given the success of the Dock Museum exhibition Duffin has been asked to return to the venue.

"The museum has been really pleased with how it's gone and they said the exhibition has been a real magnet in attracting visitors to the museum," he said.

"They've asked me to do another show which I will probably do in three or four years.

"I love this area; I live in London but come back to Barrow five or six times a year to see my family.

"Barrow is where I'm at my most comfortable."