PRINTS by a renowned children's illustrator have gone on display at a County Durham art gallery

Edward Ardizzone's World will be on show in the art gallery at the DLI museum complex, Aykley Heads, Durham, until Sunday, March 10.

Ardizzone is one of Britain's best-loved 20th Century artists who, during the 1930s, produced illustrations for the Radio Times and children's books - particularly the renowned Little Tim books, which he also wrote.

He was an official war artist during the Second World War, taught at Camberwell School of Art from 1948 to 1952 and at the Royal College of Art from 1953 to 1961.

While he is known as a prolific illustrator and watercolour artist, his printmaking talent has received less attention.

A gallery spokesman said: "Ardizzone's special gift was his ability to depict the world in a friendly and humorous way that especially appealed to children.

"His print output is directed more at adults but shows the same qualities with the result that his prints are every bit as appealing as his illustrations."

The touring exhibition was organised to mark the centenary of Ardizzone's birth in 1900 - he died in 1979 - and includes all his prints and posters, as well as a number of his drawings and watercolours.