THE last paintings of former Bury artist Lawrence Higgins are finally on show in his home town.

A new exhibition marks the tenth anniversary of his death: Lawrence took his own life at the age of 24.

The family's tragedy was also a great loss to the art world - his tutors say he would have gone on to international recognition, one even described him as the new Picasso.

Lawrence was amazingly prolific during his short life, producing more than 800 paintings, etchings and writings.

A mere 17 main works, plus two table displays of sketches, comprise the exhibition at Bury Art Gallery which runs until August 29. Much of the work has never been seen in Bury before, with many pieces painted by Lawrence shortly before his death.

Entitled "Art To Me Is A Diary", the show includes three large summery works previously on display at the South Bank, and other pieces from his sister Judith's home in Derbyshire.

Lawrence grew up in the family home in Bury, the historic Ferngrove House in Rochdale Old Road, and attended Holy Cross college in Bury before studying at Rochdale Art College.

He moved to London University's prestigious Goldsmith College and graduated with an honours degree.

The Arts Council bought 15 of his prints, and Lawrence was reported to have been seeking commissions when he hung himself in 1988.

Some of his pictures were shown in Bury back in 1992 when his mother, Mrs Elizabeth Tolita Higgins, managed to bring some home.

They were also shown at the Royal Festival Hall on London's South Bank.

Bury Art Gallery in Moss Street is open from 10am to 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.