A CHIRK artist and sculptor will be celebrating his 70th birthday with a special solo exhibition in Oswestry.

Jim Heath is currently showcasing some of his work at the Willow Street Gallery, in Willow Street, at an exhibition which will run until Saturday, April 4.

The exhibition coincides with his celebrations for a milestone birthday, giving him more reason to celebrate.

After a varied working life in fashion retail, cleaning windows and joining the Royal Marines, Jim realised his lifelong ambition of attending art school, and attained a BA (Hons) degree in Fine Art at the North Wales School of Art.

He took up wood carving and painting, and enjoys sketching live music performances at the Willow. He has recorded many of the bands who have played there.

He now creates wood sculptures, varying enormously in style and size and beautifully complementing their surroundings.

The exhibition shows a wide range of Jim’s work. His bird sculptors – large seabirds to tiny bee eaters – are full of rustic character and are always popular at the gallery.

He has been commissioned to create a wealth of local public art, and is happy to undertake private commissions, both large and small, including restoration, reproduction, furniture and sign work.

Jim can be contacted via his website at www.woodinart.co.uk