A FORMER advertising boss who has carved a new career as an artist is exhibiting his work at a town hall.

Admirers of the County Durham and Northumberland landscape will recognise familiar scenes captured in watercolour by George Hutchinson.

Now retired and living in Whickham, he was managing director of an advertising agency for ten years, having joined after leaving the Army.

Born in Wheatley Hill, he grew up in Annfield Plain and his first job was writing price tickets for Binns department store.

He said: "A lot of my paintings are of County Durham and especially the Derwent valley, which I love.

"I think it is because I was brought up in that area and I have a special feel for it. I have always had the feeling within me that I needed to go out into the countryside, set up my easel and paint.

Mr Hutchinson's paintings are on display in the McGuinness Gallery until January 31.

For more details, contact (01388) 602610.

Published: 16/01/2004