ONE of the country's most celebrated lyricists is allowing his private art collection to be exhibited at the Bowes Museum from tomorrow.

Sir Tim Rice, who has written songs for shows such as Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, The Lion King and Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, began collecting as an investment many years ago.

Developing his interest over time, he now has an extensive collection of paintings from across the centuries.

In 2002, he loaned Pissaro's Donkey Ride at La Roche-Guyon to the Bowes for its Road to Impressionism exhibition, which is now on tour at the Wallace Collection in London.

The Bowes temporarily has a number of star nineteenth century pictures out on loan, and so was delighted to take up Sir Tim's offer to lend 59 works from his London home.

Marketing assistant, Rachel Scott, said the paintings had given them an insight into the collecting habits of Sir Tim.

There are masterpieces by Cezanne, Degas, Picasso, Pissaro and Rembrandt, plus a series of four works by the Victorian artist, John William Waterhouse, including Nymphs Finding the Head of Orpheus, which demonstrate his contrasting styles.

Portraits of monarchs are also in evidence, with works depicting George V, Queen Victoria, a rare image of Edward VI, Princess Elizabeth and an Andy Warhol image featuring a youthful Prince Charles.

Twentieth century works are well-represented, with pictures by David Hockney and Vettriano, whose pictures are recognisable as those featured on many greeting cards.

Adrian Jenkins, director of the Bowes, said, "We are absolutely delighted to be displaying, for the first time in public, what is a remarkable collection of art.

"We are very grateful that Sir Tim has offered to share his art works with our visitors. It really is a one-off opportunity that should not be missed."

The collection is at the Bowes, which opens from 11am-5pm daily, until January 13 and will be accompanied by a number of gallery talks and a series of postcard prints. For more information, contact the museum on 01833 690606 or visit the web site at www.bowesmuseum.org.uk.