A collection of 30 newly-created paintings from one of Britain's leading up-and-coming artists will go on display in Cockermouth this April.

Castlegate House Gallery is hosting a three-week exhibition by Greater Manchester-based contemporary artist Richard Fitton, opening on Saturday April 8.

The exhibition focuses on Richard’s response to his sitters in his Rochdale studio, and importantly how they respond to him, consequently causing a response back, and captured in paint and charcoal.

Richard is one of the leading young lights of British contemporary painting. A past art school graduate, the 26-year-old gained professional recognition in 2012 when he became the youngest ever member to be elected into the Manchester Academy of Fine Arts, of which he currently exhibits annually.

Richard Fitton - Painter from Tim Copsey on Vimeo.

He was part of a group exhibition at Castlegate House last year, but this will be one of his most high-profile solo exhibitions to date.

The exhibition will open its doors on Saturday at 10am, with a reception between noon and 2pm, where Richard will be in attendance.

All works are available to purchase from now, with pieces already selling fast, and the whole collection will be on display until Saturday April 29.

To view the whole collection and to purchase works, visit www.castlegatehouse.co.uk