Artwork worth more than £18,000 has been stolen from a gallery on the National Trust’s Stourhead estate near Warminster.

The modern artwork, some of which was produced by local artists, was going on display as part of a spring exhibition due to launch on Saturday.

John and Jane Parfitt, owners of the First-View Gallery, managed to pull together a new collection at the last minute, with the help of the 25 artists who had their original pieces stolen.

Mrs Parfitt, from Stourton, said: “It was horrible coming in to find everything gone on Wednesday afternoon. We had the Spring exhibition opening on Saturday and I had to ring all of the artists to let them know about their artwork being stolen.

“They were all great about it and if it wasn’t for them I don’t know how I would have coped because I felt responsible.”

There were 160 pieces of art taken from the gallery and 40 of those were created by local artists, including Nick Andrew, from Crockerton, who had two acrylic landscape paintings stolen - one called Myrama and the other called Witara.

He said: “ I was so shocked and surprised when I found out my paintings had been stolen. Both images took around a month to create and are worth around £1,400.

“I am upset about losing the artwork but I am more upset for Jane who feels responsible for all of this.

“It’s not in any way her fault and I just hope that however has taken the artwork will leave it somewhere, but I know there is a slim chance of that.”

The exhibition was held despite the theft and damage to the property.

Mike MacCormack, property manager for Stourhead, said: " The thieves smashed a window to get into the Trust’s education centre in the Spread Eagle courtyard area of the estate.

"They turned the centre upside down, causing hundreds of pounds in loss and damage, but the brunt of the theft was from the adjoining gallery which is run by tenants."

Mr and Mrs Parfitt have issued a list and pictures of the stolen art work on their website and hope art lovers, other galleries or dealers will come forward with any information if they see the distinctive pieces for sale.

To view a full list of the stolen paintings and sculptures visit www.first-view.co.uk Wiltshire Police are appealing for anybody who may have seen the artwork to call them on 0845 408 7000.