An historic portrait of the founder of a weekly newspaper has been handed over to a museum – prompting a reunion of some of its present and former staff.

Salisbury Journal journalists past and present were reunited last week for a special viewing of the 18th century painting.

The portrait of Benjamin Collins, who co-founded the Journal with his brother William in 1729, has followed the paper wherever it has been based.

After the paper’s most recent office move last year, the painting was handed over to Salisbury Museum on long-term loan.

Current and former Salisbury Journal staff with the portrait of Benjamin Collins

The painting will now be joining portraits of other eminent figures in the cathedral city’s history which are due to go on display in a new Salisbury History Gallery.

Former Journal features writer and entertainments editor Anne Morris organised a special viewing of the portrait for 14 members of the editorial team – past and present.

Anne said the painting is a significant part of Salisbury’s history and is now in its “rightful home”.

“Benjamin Collins was one of the founding fathers of the Salisbury Journal. Now that his portrait is safely installed at Salisbury Museum, hopefully he can be a future part of the history of Salisbury and more people will know about the importance of the newspaper,” she added.

Now owned by Newsquest, the Journal remains one of the oldest newspapers in the UK, having published continuously since 1736.