AN exhibition of paintings by the North-East's most famous architect, John Dobson, has gone on display in Newcastle.

Mr Dobson, who lived from 1787 to 1865, designed buildings in the city such as Old Eldon Square and the Grainger Market. His fame spread and he was hired to design buildings in other parts of the country and in Europe.

He also painted, and the exhibition, at the Laing Art Gallery, includes watercolours he produced of his own buildings and those of others.

The display coincides with the publication of a book, John Dobson, Architect of the North, by Thomas Faulkner and Andrew Greg.

Caroline Worthington, keeper of fine art at the gallery, said: "John Dobson was the region's first architect to achieve national renown and his work transformed the look of towns throughout the area.

"Today, he remains a popular figure. His stunning watercolours record in great detail much of the work he carried out."

The exhibition runs until Sunday April 21. The gallery is open Mondays to Saturdays between 10am and 5pm and on Sundays from 2pm to 5pm. Admission is free.