A MUSEUM is putting on a special display to celebrate England’s best-known 18th century actor, David Garrick and mark the 300th anniversary of his birth.

The Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle, has acquired two paintings by Johann Zoffany which were commissioned by Garrick who was deemed by many to be one of the greatest actors of all time.

The Farmer’s Return and Venice Preserv’d were each painted in 1762 for Garrick’s house in London.

Painting the Theatre: Garrick in Action opens on 8 April and runs until 9 July and will be accompanied by a series of talks. For information visit thebowesmuseum.org.uk or call 01833-690606.