FEW art lovers would first turn their thoughts to Dorset when they think of the Pre-Raphaelite movement.

But art historian Peter Wise has turned his attention to the county in his new book The Pre-Raphaelite Trail in Dorset.

Following on from his Kent and Sussex books on the subject, Mr Wise says Dorset’s ‘wonderful landscapes’ were a source of inspiration for the artists he features in his latest book.

The book explores arts and crafts architecture in the county and follows in the footsteps of the artists.

Semi-retired Mr Wise, of Ilfracombe, Devon, wrote the book from a series of day trips to the county over the course of a year.

He said: “I don’t think Dorset is that well known for its arts and crafts architecture.

“But I’ve always loved Dorset. I had some good childhood holidays here.

“I was living in Australia for a few years, I came back to see my mum in Sussex and it was during that period I travelled down to Dorset to research the book.”

Former NHS counsellor Mr Wise said his favourite Pre-Raphaelite artwork in Dorset is Aurora Triumphans by Evelyn de Morgan, which is on display at the Russell Cotes Art Gallery and Museum in Bournemouth.

The village hall at Wootton Fitzpaine, in the Marshwood Vale, is his favourite building in the county..

He said: “That’s the lovely thing about Dorset, you can come across these beautiful buildings that have been relatively forgotten.

“There are also some wonderful churches. People don’t always regard churches as places to go and view artwork.

“But you can go and be surrounded by Pre-Raphaelite work and nine times out of ten you’re viewing it on your own.

“It’s the sort of thing you can spend as much or as little time on it as you like.

“It’s nice to have the book there ready to go in the glove box.”

Although the original members of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood have few documented visits to Dorset, John Brett visited the county on at least three occasions.

He produced the work ‘The British Channel seen from the Dorsetshire Cliffs’, a mill pond depiction of an expanse of sea seen from a vantage point near Lulworth Cove.

Mr Wise said: “That picture was in the state rooms at Tate Britain for years. It was unfashionable. But Pre-Raphaelite works are more popular now than they’ve ever been and the painting has been moved.”

The Pre-Raphaelite Trail in Dorset is published by SB Publications and is available for £9.99 by calling 07539 077422.