Last night saw the launch event for Syd Barrett: Art and Letters, the new exhibition being held in London's Idea Generation gallery celebrating Barrett's creative genius. A packed gallery saw Syd's friends, family, and celebrity fans alike absorbed in the stunning array of original artwork - a wonderful tribute to Barrett.

The largest collection of Syd's artwork and letters ever to be shown in public, the exhibition proved to be a fascinating glimpse into his true passion throughout his life. Run in conjunction with the release of Barrett: The Definitive Visual Companion book, by Russell Beecher and Will Shutes, last night saw many of the key personalities attend to catch up with old friends and also simply enjoy the work on display. Included were many of Barrett's family, along with people like Duggie Fields, Jenny Spires, John "Hoppy" Hopkins, Philip James, Aubrey "Po" Powell, Graham Coxon, Captain Sensible, Jeff Dexter, Libby (Gausden) Chisman, Warren Dosanjh, along with many others from Syd's life.

The exhibition runs until April 10th and we urge all Floyd fans to pay a visit if they possibly can. It's the perfect accompaniment to the wonderful Barrett book. The exhibition and book have both been extensively covered by the press, and below are some details of this (including links to hear them on demand)...

The exhibition was discussed on BBC Radio 4 this week, with a feature on Wednesday's Front Row programme (listen on demand here), and Jenny Spires was interviewed on Thursday's Woman's Hour (listen on demand here). BBC 6 Music also took a look at the exhibition and book, and interviewed Jenny Spires, Russell Beecher and Will Shutes, which you can listen to through this link. Finally, from the BBC, Blur's Graham Coxon spoke to them about Syd from the gallery:

Brian Wernham, the driving force behind the exhibition, was interviewed by Manchester 106.1 Rock Radio and you can hear the interview in full here: Part 1 and Part 2.

The mainstream press have also have various pieces on it, and the exhibition is featured on the cover of the new edition of the Saatchi Art Magazine with an article by Will Shutes inside.

The gallery can be found in Chance Street, London E2, where you will see the Syd posters in each window. The gallery have also arranged some special events including a Piper listening party, which should be fun! The exhibition runs from Monday to Friday, between 10am - 6pm, and on Saturday and Sunday between 12 - 5pm. Admission is free (although tickets priced at £10 are required for the listening party).