The world’s smallest art gallery has been targetted by thieves just four hours after it opened in a Black Country phone box.

Teresa Crawford-Docherty, aged 40, the artist behind the tiny exhibition, today said it was disheartening that someone had taken the acrylic canvas depicting climate change from the Little’un Art Gallery so soon after its launch in the empty phone box in Halesowen on Sunday.

But she was delighted when a pen and ink drawing of a butterfly was put in its place by a mystery artist.

Miss Crawford-Docherty, a self-employed photographer, said: “The piece stolen was the largest one in the exhibition and was one of mine.

“I suppose I should be flattered someone liked it so much – but it was disheartening to have it taken just four hours after the gallery was launched.

“I knew when I opened the gallery there was a chance that pieces would be taken but I was gutted when it happened so soon after the opening.

Miss Crawford-Docherty added; “It’s nice to see that someone has replaced the work.”

Artwork is not the only thing from the unusual exhibition space to have been removed from the redundant phone box in Banners Street.

“Bizarrely, the comments book has also been taken,” said Miss Crawford-Docherty.

“All but one of the comments were very positive, saying how inspirational the gallery was and how it improved the area.

“We had about 60 people at the launch so if something like this can create such community spirit it would be nice if was done elsewhere in the country.”

Miss Crawford-Docherty said she had been inspired to create the exhibition because she was so fed up of looking at the eyesore of a disused kiosk opposite her house.

She decided to give it a facelift and turn it into the unique phone box art gallery.

The exhibition features paintings, photographs and sculptures by local artists.

A new exhibition will be staged in the box in September.

The artist, who is studying for a masters degree in fine art at the University of Wolverhampton, is also keen for suggestions for other unusual locations around the region which she can transform into a gallery.