A SENIOR curator at a North-East art gallery has proposed to his girlfriend with a ring chosen from an artist whose work is part of its collection.

James Beighton planned a trip to Amsterdam with his girlfriend Emily Hesse and after a day in the city, he proposed in the “Love Inn”.

He spotted the gold ring, which was made by New Zealand based artist Karl Fritsch, as the couple walked around the city and decided that was the one he needed for his proposal.

“I didn’t have a ring with me as we have been saving to buy a house but we knew it would be designed by the artist Karl Fritsch,” he said.

“That evening at the opening of an exhibition in the city we saw the unique Fritsch ring on display and I knew it was the one.

“Jewellery can easily link major milestones in people’s lives and I think seeing the story behind some of the pieces here in Middlesbrough is fascinating.”

His partner was delighted with proposal, saying: “I was completely surprised by James’ proposal, he kept the secret so well and I am truly delighted.”

The couple are now back home looking for houses in Saltburn and planning the wedding.