THE life of a 19th Century French artist who lived and worked in Durham will be explored later this month.

Many of the drawings of Joseph Bouet, who lived from 1791 to 1856, are still held in Durham University Library’s archives and special collections, on Palace Green.

However, relatively little is known about his early life.

Douglas Burdon is to give a talk about Bouet’s emigre origins and some of the lesser known subjects of his drawings to the Durham County Local History Society.

Dr Burdon’s research was prompted by the Society’s 2005 publication of a Dr David Cross book of Bouet’s drawings, called Joseph Bouet’s Durham - drawings from the age of reform.

His talk, titled Joseph Bouet (1791-1856) - tracing an emigre artist and his lesser known sitters, will be held in St Giles’ parish centre, St Giles’ Church, Gilesgate, Durham City, on Saturday, January 22, at 2pm.

Admission is free and open to all. Copies of Dr Cross’ book will be on sale, priced £8 each.