EXPERTS are seeking information about an enigmatic artist after demand for her work rocketed.

Little is known of Margaret Chapman, a published and modestly successful painter from Darwen who died in 2000.

But a rise in the popularity of northern artists in recent years has meant a surge in her work's popularity.

Freelance art writer Siri Ellis, from Clitheroe, said it was incredibly important that we knew as much as possible about Margaret to understand her work better.

Ms Ellis said: "Many people in Darwen may well know about her and may be able to help identify the scenes she painted.

"She always focused on local scenes that were largely of an industrial nature. They are a great nostalgic snapshot of life in the area and are proving popular whenever they appear at auction. Bids are often received from across the globe, which is unusual for such a little-known artist."

William Gregory, from Manchester auctioneers Cape Dunn, said that work by Margaret could often fetch up to £1,000.

She specialised in oil on canvas paintings and more than 50 of her pieces have been sold as prints around the world, Ms Ellis said.

A painting called Sunday Morning Preston New Road' is currently on display in Blackburn Art Gallery.

All that is known about Margaret is that she was born in November 1940 and died in July 2000 aged 59.

She studied at Liverpool Art College and in 1978she published a book of her most famous paintings called When Steak was a Shilling a Pound', which is now out of print.

Ms Ellis added: "Her work is becoming more and more popular in the last eight years since her death.

"I am still digging and hoping to find as much as I can. I am also trying to track down gallery owners who dealt with her."

Vanessa Mitchell, keeper of art at Blackburn Art Gallery, said: "Margaret was a talented local artist. Her unusual style of painting, which focused on recreating everyday life during the Edwardian period in towns like Darwen and Blackburn, made her artwork both popular and memorable."

Art technician John Slack said he remembers meeting Margaret in 1976 when the museum brought the painting.

He said: "Margaret's painting of Preston New Road, with a bustling tram and people busily going about their day life, is a popular painting. I've even taken it for display in the Mayor's Parlour."

Anyone with information can contact Ms Ellis on 01200 428468.