THE family of a Burnley artist who died earlier this year have fulfilled his lifelong ambition by staging an exhibition of his work.

Frank Dawson, 77, died just hours after securing the exhibition to showcase hundreds of his paintings.

His son Paul, who grew up in Burnley but is now a psychologist in London, said: “He was really excited about the exhibition, it is what he had always wanted to do.

“He had had one-off items shown at group exhibition but always wanted an exhibition just of his work.

“He has quite well known as an artist in Burnley, after retiring he dedicated 30 years of his life to art, he was so passionate about it."

The exhibition is currently being staged at Barton Grange Garden Centre, in Preston, and finishes on Friday when Paul plans to donate many of the 500-plus pieces of work to schools, charities and organisations in Burnley.

Frank had secured the exhibition on April 8 this year and told friends and family how happy he was that his work was finally going on show.

But he suffered a heart attack and died in the street in Heysham, near Morecambe, where he moved to from Burnley a few years ago.

Some of Frank’s paintings focus on iconic images such as Turf Moor and Towneley Hall, as well as the countryside of the town and surrounding villages.

Paul, 34, added: “He loved Burnley and lived most of his life in the town. His family used to run Netherwood Farm.

“At first I didn’t want to sell or donate any of the work, but I have been convinced that it will be better to see them displayed somewhere than to stay in storage.

“It would be great if they could be displayed in Burnley somewhere where they are needed and wanted.”

Any schools, organisations or charities in Burnley interested in taking some of Frank’s work should email Paul on paulbecca@yahoo.com