A SEARCH is under way to trace a collection of art which was auctioned off 30 years ago after being found in a Darwen house.

Staff at Lancaster University's Peter Scott Gallery are planning a James Hargreaves Morton exhibition but are missing much of his work. Morton was killed in May 1916 during the First World War as he tried to rescue an American soldier.

He had asked his four sisters to keep his artwork together if he died.

When the last sister, Alice, died in 1967, her executors found hundreds of paintings and drawings at her home in Barley Bank Street, Darwen. His work was exhibited at Darwen Library. But the collection was scattered far and wide when it was auctioned off in 1971 at Windsor Hall, Blackburn.

Gallery director Mary Gavagan, who is overseeing the search, said: "It would be good if we were able to trace these paintings. With modern technology and the use of a digital camera at least it maybe possible to have a record of his work, which would keep his work together photographically.

"Many of the scenes will be recognisable to Darwen and Blackburn residents. His work was very accomplished and exhibited in both regional exhibitions and London galleries."

The Peter Scott Gallery was recently given a large number of Morton's drawings and staff plan to stage the exhibition in 2004. They are also researching his life and have made several discoveries. Mr Morton was born in 1881 and won a scholarship to the Royal College of Art in London before becoming an art teacher in Yorkshire.

In 1906, his four sisters agreed to support him financially so he gave up teaching and devoted himself to painting from their Darwen home. It is thought he continued to paint during his spell with the 66th East Lancs Division. He is buried in the Communal Cemetery at Pont-Sur-Sambre. Anyone with information about the paintings can contact the gallery on 01524 593 057.