AN expert in the ancient art of calligraphy is making headway in some of the most go-ahead locations in the world.

Barrowford-based artist Sabah Arbilli has become internationally renowned for his deft use of Arabic script in his works. And now the 36-year-old, who originally trained as a civil engineer, has seen his talents endorsing prayer rooms in the VIP lounge at Doha Airport.

Sabah has also presented examples of his work to Prince Charles, at an international conference for the Sufi community.

He was also recently involved in a ‘live’ exhibition in Qatar, where he created original pieces on 22 metre by one metre canvases, called ‘Metaphoric’, which saw him fuse European painting techniques with his traditional techniques.

Iraq-born Sabah, whose real name is Sabah Maghded Bapir, uses the turbulent history of his homeland as inspiration and has won a number of prestigious awards. He said: “I envisage the lands with the sounds which echo in my ear, taking me back to a place where I see harmony and tranquillity.”

He took his artistic name in tribute to his first master Bijart Arbilli, who taught him the geometrics of the art and the beauty which could be attributed to each letter.

Working in a variety of different media, from paper to canvas, his latest themes cover history, identity and place.