A COMMUNITY left reeling after a huge fire destroyed a number of art studios and offices has come together in an ‘overwhelming show of compassion.’

A fire broke out at St Michael’s Trading Estate, Bridport, about 6pm last Saturday.

It is thought the fire started on the third floor of St Michael’s Studios – which contains a number of artists’ studios and offices – and is believed to have been caused accidentally, according to the fire service.

The brigade said it could have been 'an electrical issue or through refracted light on combustible materials.'

Artists now face an agonising wait to find out whether or not they have lost everything.

But the community has been pulling together to help those affected.

A fundraiser aiming to raise £20,000 to provide support for the artists as they look to replace equipment and materials raised more than £3,000 in just 24 hours. At the latest county more than £5,000 has been raised.

Artist Andrea Jenkins, who set up the fundraiser, said: “My heart went out to my artist friends and those whose studios have been destroyed. I wanted to help as quickly as possible."

Landscape artist Kit Glaisyer has 15 years’ work inside the studio and he and others now face an agonising wait to find out what damage has been caused.

“We were on the floor below the fire,” he said. “We’re not allowed to go back in just yet so we don’t know if anything is salvageable. I know some people on the floor above are very upset and have lost everything. It’s horrid.

“But the community has been amazing. I’ve never experienced anything like it – it’s overwhelming. It shows you that people cherish our community and our artists. It’s been one of the most uplifting things about this.”

Meanwhile, one artist due to exhibit at a summer show in Dorchester was able to retrieve most of his most recent paintings.

Bridport artist John Boyd's paintings form a central part of an exhibition now on at Gallery On The Square, Poundbury.

He said: “Obviously it’s bad enough having lost my studio as well as some of my equipment and a few of my paintings, but at least I have been able to save most of the new pictures I have been working on for the last six months or so.

“I have been lucky in a way, because other artists have come out of it worse, losing all their work as well as their working base. It’s terrible.

“In terms of setting up a studio it’s start-again time for me; I’m just hoping for the best at the moment.”

To donate, search 'Artists of St Michael's Studio' on Facebook.