Now, the legacy of Smoky Dawson and Pro Hart will be etched in Tamworth permanently after the artist’s family donated a collection of artworks to the local gallery.

The exhibition, which was unveiled on Friday in the middle of the country music festival, was donated to the Tamworth Art Gallery by Judy Lipman, the niece of Smoky and Dot Dawson.

“Smoky and Pro had a special relationship,” Mrs Lipman said.

“When Smoky wrote his book, A Life, Pro illustrated what he felt were special moments in that life.

“Smoky and Dot had the original paintings in their home.

“When the paintings came up here for the launch of Smoky's statue, I thought they don't need to be on my wall, Tamworth's their second home and they should be part of it.”

It’s not the first time the works have been featured in Tamworth, after a short visit in January, 2012.

“They're here in spirit, it's where their ashes are,” Ms Lipman said.

“I just felt it was the right place to be.”

Mayor Col Murray was grateful to receive the works on behalf of the Dawson family and spoke highly of Smoky’s contribution to the country music capital.

“Smoky Dawson and the family have been an integral part of the history of the city,” he said.

“It’s people like Smoky, who have actually embedded his way life into the culture of the city.

“Country music: some of us love it, some of us, not so much, but it is a fact it is a part of this city.”