AN exhibition will be held in Cockermouth to celebrate the life of a town artist who died last year.

Jim Binns lived and worked in the town for 30 years and established himself as a watercolourist of the Lake District landscape. He painted, mounted, framed and exhibited his work until his sudden death last June, aged 75.

Over the years, he sold about 1,000 paintings.

The self-taught artist's work was on show in various venues throughout the county, including Percy House Gallery, which will be staging the exhibition of his watercolours from Saturday until June 1.

His wife, Ann, said: "It will be quite emotional. We are extremely grateful to Percy House Gallery for this 'Retrospection' display of his work.

"Jim was one of their original artists. His work has always been appreciated."

Jim, who was also a jazz musician, and Ann celebrated their gold wedding anniversary in January last year. The couple have two grown-up children, Daniel and Cleo.

Ann said: "Jim not only painted but he also mounted and framed all his own work. Ever inventive and resourceful, Jim hand-decorated the frames.

"Never one to throw anything away he even managed to utilise the remnants of a damaged garden fence!"

His family will be at the exhibition opening.

"We hope people will enjoy seeing a selection of his paintings to celebrate his art," said Ann.