THE ‘world’s most extraordinary painting’ can be seen at a Somerset museum this spring.

John Martin’s 1822 painting, The Destruction of Pompeii and Herculaneum, which was described by one contemporary reviewer as "the most extraordinary production of the pencil that has ever appeared in this or any other country", is on loan at the Museum of Somerset in Taunton courtesy of the Tate.

A ‘talk and tea’ event is set to take place next month, where visitors will hear how Martin’s friendship with a Taunton schoolmaster helped inspire his work. The event will be led by Tom Mayberry, former chief of the South West Heritage Trust

The event is set to take place on Friday, May 10, from 2.20pm to 3.30pm.