AWARD-winning writer Pat Barker is to give a talk on the role a real artist played in her latest novel.

The author will visit the DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery, in Durham City on Thursday to discuss the role of surgeon and artist Henry Tonks in her new novel Toby’s Room.

The reading has been organised to coincide with an exhibition of Tonks’ work at the venue.

The medic created pastel portraits of soldiers who underwent facial surgery after being wounded during the First World War and also taught at the Slade School of Art.

Pat Barker’s novel Life Class featured Tonks, but he is a central character in her new work Toby’s Room. The free talk starts at 7.30pm.

About Face, an exhibition of portraits by Henry Tonks, is on display at the DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery until Sunday, June 24.

The DLI Museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm. For further information, please ring 0191 384 2214.