BridLit director Tanya Bruce-Lockhart and her beloved dog, Lily, have been immortalised in a new portrait at Bridport Electric Palace.

It was painted by Bridport artist Ruth Winding and paid for by a number of local festival supporters.

Sadly, Lily died in the summer, and Tanya said she was ‘utterly thrilled and delighted and so relieved that my Lily was still alive to see us in situ in the Palace’.

The person who organised the painting said a number of local supporters banded together to commission the portrait of Tanya and Lily.

They wanted to do it because Tanya has become a ‘Dorset Treasure, with BridLit celebrating its 20th year in November.

‘Over these decades, under Tanya’s guidance and leadership, it has grown from strength to strength.  Bridport is now firmly on the UK Literary Festival map.

‘So it is fitting that Tanya and her beloved dog, Lily, have taken a mural seat in the Electric Palace, where the largest BridLit events take place.’

Tanya said that Lily Lockhart tumbled into her life on one of the gloomiest of winter days in 2009.

‘Terry Girling, the local vet, rang to say that two 18-month-old Staffies had been brought in to be euthanised,’ she explained.

‘The owners were to separate and neither wanted the responsibility for the dogs.  Would I consider “fostering” one of them until a forever home could be found?

‘For me, there was no hesitation. I rushed to meet Tilly who was to become my forever Lily and the rest is history. It was true love at first sight!

‘Lily had a sparkling character. She loved everyone – both humans and dogs – though her penchant was for men.  Her little body was fuelled with energy and her soul imbued with so much love.  She was my adored and abiding companion for 13 years – and she sustained me throughout my time with the Beaminster Festival and then with BridLit – ever patient, ever true and beyond gallant in coping with her last months of discomfort.  Lily was everything that I am not – ever patient, ever calm, never judgemental – always joyful.

‘Words can never describe what I now feel at having to face life without my Lily. She created a framework for us both and living on without her is proving so tough.’