LAWRENCE Hart was talented artist with a loving family, a gentle man who believed passionately in the ideals of Hawkwood College, where he lived and taught.

Warm tributes have been pouring into the SNJ since his brutal death. And his family have paid a tribute to the dedicated father.

His 22-year-old daughter Rosie - one of two daughters he leaves behind - said: "He was the most wonderful, supportive father I could hope for.

"We will miss him so incredibly.

He always made it clear how much he loved me."

A former builder, Lawrence had been involved in a project to construct a community meditation centre in the college grounds.

Now the college has vowed to complete the project and name it in his memory.

Friends at Hawkwood are trying to come to terms with the situation.

Richard Brinton, college principal, said: "Lawrence had a very gentle and unassuming manner.

"He was cheerful and helpful in everything he did. He will be greatly missed at Hawkwood."

Katie Lloyd, the college's official spokesman, said: "He was a very friendly, helpful person whose sunny, boyish smile belied a great depth.

"He was committed to his meditation practice and to sharing that with others in a very supportive way."

Architect Max Comfort, who was working with Lawrence and builder Andy Floyd, on Hawkwood's new community meditation building, said:

"We are more determined than ever to get the building built and maybe even name it after Lawrence.

"It was a very tangible way he gave back to Hawkwood what he received from the place."

Sculptor David Lovemore said: "We often exchanged a few cheery words as he passed the studio. He was a nice guy and I will miss him."

Ailsa Raisin-Shaw, from the college, added: "He was the gentlest man I ever met. Very thoughtful and humble, full of good will towards people."

Cheryl Jones and David Birt gave a joint comment saying: "In the short time we met Lawrence he inspired us with his sunny smile and open heart. He will leave his presence with everybody he met."

Lawrence also had a studio at Dyers Mill in London Road, Stroud, where he spent countless hours working on his precise, abstract paintings.

Members of Stroud's artistic community spoke fondly of him.

Lizzi Walton, of the Rope Store Gallery, said:

"The arts community is in shock. He was a gentle, intelligent person who wouldn't hurt a fly. He was not confrontational at all - a laid-back and unworldly person. We are devastated."

Poet Jehanne Mehta said: "With Lawrence Hart's death, Stroud has lost someone of stirling quality, who made good things happen in a gentle, quiet and inoffensive way. He was a fine man of the heart and will be sorely missed."

Jo Leahy, Stroud Valley Artspace, where he once had a studio, said: "He was one of our first studio members when we started 10 years ago.

"He was always a very supportive, involved and committed artist and a warm, friendly person. It's terrible."

John Mills, owner of Mills' Caf, said: "I knew Lawrence as a customer and an artist who hung his paintings in the cafe.

"He always had a gentle, loving nature - he was the sweetest guy.

"It was an extraordinary surprise to hear of the circumstances of his death."

Artist Jane Fisher said: "I have had a studio next to his since 2001. He was gentle, clever, artistic and a very practical man. It was very shocking to learn of his death."

Artist Roger Jones said: "He first visited my studio three or four years ago when I had just moved here.

"I liked him very much and greatly admired his work. I share the feelings of everybody who knew him. It's an appalling loss to us all and especially the art community."