A RENOWNED artist has opened her latest exhibition - in a student bar.

Judy Hurst is displaying Works of Illumination in the bar at Durham University’s Trevelyan College.

Ms Hurst, from Lanchester, near Durham, says she is inspired by her knowledge, respect and love of the architecture, Celtic history and wildlife of Britain and France.

She uses gold leaf and bright colour applied to vellum, paper and canvas to create compelling images, often with spiritual or symbolic undertones.

Ms Hurst said: "Vellum is a material often used for diptych, triptych and miniature works.

"It gives luminescence to colour that, for me, is one of the most powerful qualities of my work."

Ms Hurst was born and raised in Durham and studied Fine Art at St Martin’s School of Art in London. She has taught and exhibited in New Zealand.

On returning to Britain, she continued to teach art and exhibited at the Durham Light Infantry Museum and Durham Art Gallery, in Durham; Moot Hall Gallery, in Hexham; and The Belford Gallery, in Northumberland.

Supporters of Trevelyan College asked her to exhibit there after seeing her solo exhibition at The Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle, in 2008. The exhibition also produced an invitation to exhibit in Palace Green Library in 2010 and The Bowes Museum bought one of her works for its permanent collection.

Ms Hurst is due to take up the post of artist in residence at Durham University’s St Cuthbert’s Society and is planning a solo exhibition at France’s National Musee Adrien Dubouche, in Limoges.

Gillie Bradshaw, from Trevelyan College’s Fine Art Committee, said: "Judy’s work is very impressive.

"Trevelyan is quite active in the arts. There are various art history courses and Trevelyan has a long history of association with the arts and commissioned a number of works when the college was first built.

"For at least 30 years there has been one exhibition each term."

Works of Illumination is at Trevelyan College, Elvet Hill Road, Durham, until Friday, December 4. The exhibition can be viewed seven days a week between 10am and 6pm. Admission is free.

However, it may occasionally close earlier than 6pm, due to college events.

Visitors are advised to call Trevelyan College in advance on 0191-334-7000.