Wolverhampton artist celebrated in show

Hampton was an inspirational member of Wolverhampton's creative community. He was born and educated in Bilston, Wolverhampton and Birmingham, receiving his degree in Fine Art from the Wolverhampton School of Art. His career spanned over five decades, during which he became Head of Art at Bilston Community College.

This exhibition features 26 of John Hampton's oils on canvas and mixed media works, and focuses on his later work which was inspired by his garden, resulting in a colourful display of expressive and painterly compositions. Many of the paintings on display demonstrate his ability to use the canvas to explore light, colour and texture and use them as a metaphor to express his ideas, emotions and experiences.

The show has been co-curated by members of the Eagle Works artist group based on Great Brickkiln Street in Wolverhampton, where John Hampton was a studio holder and central figure. Joining the studios in the late 1980s, he remained actively involved with the group until shortly before his death in February 2012. Hampton acted as the Studio's Treasurer for a number of years.

Curator Marguerite Nugent said: "We're really pleased to be able to put John Hampton's work on public display. He was such an active and well-known figure within the city's artistic community, this seems a fitting tribute to his many years of dedication, both as a committed artist himself but also providing inspiration for fellow artists across Wolverhampton."

The John Hampton exhibition runs until July 13.