AN exhibition celebrating the life and work of a prolific Bolton printmaker has gone on show at the University of Bolton.

Trevor Lofthouse, who died five years ago, devoted his working life to the art of printmaking and to nurturing and supporting the creative development of art and design students in Bolton.

He was highly regarded for his talent as well as his constant exploration of new avenues of expression.

The exhibition features pieces from a body of work created in 1994 which is regarded by many as his finest.

The piece, which explores the themes of memory, landscape and light, will form the backbone of the exhibition.

Mr Lofthouse was a student at Bolton's High School of Art and the College of Art and Design. He later became a lecturer in both the college of art, and then the department of art and design when the college was integrated into Bolton College.

John Hannavy, professor of art and design at the University of Bolton, and curator of the exhibition, said: "Trevor Lofthouse's work is already very highly regarded within the local art world.

"I think that, in time, his work will be treasured. He was a significant Bolton artist, and a delightful chap, and he devoted his entire professional life to the development of art in Bolton.

"There are countless creative people who owe their first steps into the experience of art to the guiding hands of Trevor Lofthouse. The sheer number of people at his funeral is testament to the countless people whose lives he touched."

The event is part of a series celebrating the University's newly acquired title.

The exhibition will be on display at the Eagle Mall Gallery at Deane Campus until Friday April 15.