A world-renowned sculptor from County Durham who has his artwork displayed across the UK has this week had a blue plaque unveiled in his honour.

Dr Fenwick Lawson, 91, lived in Bow Cottage on Bow Lane, Durham City Centre from 1977 to 2015, which has now been marked with a plaque for its significance.

Dr Lawson was born in South Moor, County Durham and spent his childhood in the village of Craghead.

The Northern Echo: Unveiling of the plaque in Durham City for Dr Fenwick Lawson.Unveiling of the plaque in Durham City for Dr Fenwick Lawson. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

He then went on to study at the University of Sunderland and later lectured at Northumbria University.

Dr Lawson now has sculptures across the UK, including in Newcastle, London and York, but is perhaps best known known for his sculpture ‘The Journey’ in Durham City.

Before the unveiling yesterday (Friday, February 16), Dr Lawson expressed his joy at the occasion and thanked the small crowd that had gathered for the ceremony.

The Northern Echo: Unveiling of the plaque in Durham City for Dr Fenwick Lawson.Unveiling of the plaque in Durham City for Dr Fenwick Lawson. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

He said: “This is not really about me; it is the work which is important. The work is about the community, about caring.

“To see everyone here, people I know and care for is a wonderful experience.”

Sir Brendan Foster, founder of the Great North Run, was a former pupil of Dr Lawson’s, and told the crowd this plaque will “inspire the next generation”.

The Northern Echo: Unveiling of the plaque in Durham City for Dr Fenwick Lawson.Unveiling of the plaque in Durham City for Dr Fenwick Lawson. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

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After the big unveiling he said: “It is an absolute pleasure to see the legend that is Fenwick Lawson. Believe it or not, he was my art teacher at school, and it was the only subject that I was bottom of the class in.

“Thank you Fenwick – we’ve visited your sculptures around this part of the world and your legacy is unbeatable.

“What an honour it is to be able to do this for a great man. His legacy in this part of the world will last forever.”