The well-respected and much-loved curator of Falmouth Art Gallery has died suddenly in hospital following an operation.

Mr Stewart, who was the driving force behind the gallery, had undergone an operation on his leg at the weekend, after falling from his bike last week.

Mr Stewart was well known throughout the art world not only in Falmouth. He brought in millions of pounds worth of funding to the Falmouth Art Gallery, putting together internationally important exhibitions of work from both locally artists and famous figures such as Picasso, Van Gogh, Gainsborough.

He was also a massive supporter of the youth of the town, holding regular workshops for schoolchildren.

His death has shocked the town. Only last month was he involved in the judging of the Packet Christmas Card competition, an annual event which he had supported for some years.

Falmouth’s mayor Geoffrey Evans said: “Brian was a massive asset to Falmouth town council and was one of the top curators in the art world. He worked so hard in the past ten years and achieved so much for Falmouth Art Gallery, making us one of the top galleries in the country.

“I spent many hours with Brian and he was a great friend, more like a brother to me, and he will be greatly missed by all at Falmouth town council.”

Falmouth Art Gallery remains open today, as a mark of respect to Mr Stewart. Town clerk Mark Williams said: “It is what he would have wanted.”

A full tribute will appear in the Packet on Wednesday.

To leave your tribute to Mr Stewart write in the comment box below or email editorial@packetseries.co.uk