AN exhibition by an internationally renowned sculptor will go on show in the town that inspired many of his works.

Hylton Stockwell has been commissioned for pieces displayed in galleries and public spaces across the world - including a nine-metre bronze and steel atlas figure at Heathrow.

The inspiration for many of Mr Stockwell's sculptures and drawings - featuring marine objects and smoking factory chimneys - can be traced to his formative years in Hartlepool.

Born in Newcastle in 1943, he moved to Hartlepool in the early 1950s, where he was a pupil at the town's Dyke House School.

He went on to attend Hartlepool College of Art and Design, where his career as a sculptor began.

Claire Munroe, of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: "Over the past 40 years, Hylton Stockwell has earned a truly international reputation, and we are delighted to be able to exhibit his work for the first time in the town where he grew up."

Running alongside the Stockwell exhibition will be a display of 60 pieces of work by Hartlepool artist C S Cape, Hartlepool Art Club's chairwoman.

The exhibition will be at Hartlepool Art Gallery, which is open Tuesdays to Saturdays, from 10am to 5.30pm, and from 2pm to 5pm on Sundays. Admission is free.

The exhibition will be held from Saturday until Sunday, June 4.

Published: 21/04/2006