AN artist from East Lancashire has attracted attention from the art world with his sculptures of Vincent Van Gogh.

Anthony Padgett, who works out of his studio at Bee Mill, Ribchester, unveiled one of his sculptures in Brixton, London.

The sculpture, which sits in Van Gogh Walk in the capital, is part of Mr Padgett’s year-long project, A Year With Vincent.

Mr Padgett said: “I got the idea to create these sculptures after I made a bust of Wilfred Owen, the war poet, which was on display at the Museum of Lancashire.

“And when I found out that there were no busts of Van Gogh in Britain I decided to create one.

"The sculpture will be permanently sited in Brixton.”

During his year-long project, Mr Padgett created 67 oil paintings in the style of Van Gogh, and another six sculptures, which are to be permanently sited in places the artist lived, in France, Holland and Belgium.

The 49-year-old has won a number of awards for his masterpieces, including first prize in an International Art and Technology award in 2002 and getting to the finals of the International Jewish Artist of the Year Awards in 2004.

He also won an award for Exceptional Quality at the Harris Museum and Art Gallery in Preston for his bust of Van Gogh.

On completing A Year With Vincent, Mr Padgett began another project, called A Year With Picasso, which will be completed next year.

In an effort to share his art with the community, Mr Padgett is opening his work space, allowing the public to come and view his paintings.

He said: “Members of the public are invited to an open evening at my art studio on Friday November 30 from 6.30pm to 8pm.

“I will have a collection of my latest paintings on show and these will also be available to buy.”

Mr Padgett’s studio is located inside Ascot Studios, Bee Mill, Ribchester. For more information call 07902342448 or email anthonydpadgett@yahoo.co.uk.