A DISTANT relative of Quaker artist and peace activist Joseph Southall was so impressed with the new gate at the Friends' Meting House, in Settle, he gifted some copyright revenue from the reproduction of one of Southall's paintings towards its cost.

The wrought iron gate has been created by Settle blacksmith David Clements, and hangs at the Friends' new wheelchair accessible entrance.

Mr Clements explained the new gate "seeks to be welcoming and avoid the appearance of a barrier".

"There is a clear view through the gate into the light of the meeting house garden," he said.

"I understand that 'the light' is an important concept for Friends and the space in the centre of the gate may remind them of 'the light' both looking into and out of the meeting house," he added.

Joseph Southall is now best known for his part in reviving traditional techniques of painting in tempera and for his involvement with people like Edward Burne-Jones and John Ruskin, in promoting the arts and crafts movement. He was also involved in radical politics and was a prominent peace campaigner.

The gate Mr Clements has created, although modern in design, is in the tradition of the arts and crafts movement.

John Asher, of Settle Quakers, said the relative wished to remain anonymous, but when he saw the gate exclaimed: "Joseph Southall would be delighted that an artist craftsman in Settle is creating things that are functional, beautiful and meaningful."

Mr Clements is pictured by Stephen Garnett with his gates for the Settle Friends Meeting House. (47/5/1)