A PAINTING of J. Samuel White's former building in East Cowes has been included in the Sunday Times' watercolour competition exhibition.

Artist Martin Jacobs chose to study the building because his grandfather, William Jacobs, worked there during the Second World War.

Martin last year exhibited a painting of Fishbourne and has previously shown works of East Cowes, so he feels a theme is developing.

He said: "My grandfather worked at J. Samuel White during the war and I notice the building has recently gone, which I guess is a reflection of the passing of the times and industry and skills that once resided on the Island.

"I’m not sure what exactly he did at White's but my father told me that during the war they had a visit from Churchill, for which they made a small momento in the factory, and I believe this is now on display at Chartwell House in Kent, Churchill's former home."

The painting measures 30in by 22in and is titled J. Samuel White.

The exhibition will go to the Mall Galleries in February, The Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery in Basingstoke.

Martin added: "Having work in the Sunday Times Exhibition is a great event to showcase the paintings and let them be seen."