THE work of a scientific artist has pride of place in a university exhibition.

Much of Steve Sproates' work features in a display which opened this week at Durham University's Ogden Centre for Fundamental Physics, as part of its programme aimed at bringing science to the broader public.

Mr Sproates, who works in a self-made studio in the garden of his home in Peterlee, County Durham, attempts to bridge the gap between science and art.

He adopts methods similar to those physicists use to measure the accuracy of their theories and equations.

His handmade three-dimensional images and constructions are mathematically-generated, seeking to explore concepts of elegance, symmetry and beauty.

He wrote to internationally-renowned cosmologist Professor Carlos Frenk, director of Durham University's Institute for Computational Cosmology, based at the Ogden Centre, including photographs of his work.

Prof Frenk asked to meet him, and went on to invite him to display his work at the centre.

"I'm very pleased with the way it has turned out and I'm delighted at the response I've had from the scientists," said Mr Sproates.

"I don't know what they thought when they were told an artist was coming to the centre.

"They maybe had images of a cravate-wearing, bearded guy with his head in the clouds, but I think they were pleasantly surprised."

The scientists liked his work so much that two pieces were included in a display alongside their cosmic discoveries at the Royal Society's summer science exhibition in London, last week.

An exhibition featuring 13 of his creations can be viewed at the Ogden Centre, on the university science site, off Stockton and South roads in Durham.

It is open to the public daily until next Friday, from 9am to 5pm.