Art: Cambridge bakery Fitzbillies is captured on canvas

It’s people that make a place – as proven by the latest exhibition from Cambridge painter Naomi Tomkys

“For as long as I can remember, I’ve played the same people-watching game. I imagine what strangers walking past do, who they love and what’s in their pockets. My work is a development of this simple idea; I paint characters not figures. I present their stories.” So says artist Naomi Tomkys OBE, whose latest solo show, Life at Fitzbillies, captures day-to-day life at the 103-year-old Cambridge bakery.

Depicting everything from bakers pouring syrup over tray upon tray of Fitzbillies’ signature Chelsea buns to café customers taking afternoon tea, reading the papers and sharing romantic moments, her oil paintings are engaging, evocative, affectionate and moving - not to be missed.

Life at Fitzbillies is running at the King’s Parade store from July 2. See tomkys.com for more