AN internationally renowned artist is returning to his roots with his 30th anniversary exhibition.

Mackenzie Thorpe is marking three decades of working in his own gallery, Arthaus, in Richmond, North Yorkshire.

Following a world tour, the Middlesbrough-born artist is returning to where it all began, with this new exhibition.

Visitors will be able to see his official collection for the Tour de Yorkshire, his image for the Welcome to Yorkshire Garden at the Chelsea Flower Show, as well as collections inspired by his industrial heritage, his family and his intention that we should spread love wherever we go.

The Northern Echo:

A Yorkshire Man will be appearing in the exhibition

He said: “I’m over the moon to be in Arthaus, where it all began, for this next stage of my 30th year celebratory tour.

“We’ve created so many happy memories in this place, this is where we brought our children up and my personal and artistic history is wrapped up here.

“In those early days, when we first moved here and it was really hard, Richmond was kind to me, I’ll never forget those key people who helped and supported me and my work, because without them I really wouldn’t be where I am today. I’m looking forward to catching up with friends old and new on the 14th and of course sharing stories from those early days.

“It’s been an incredible journey and one I could have never imagined when we first started out and this exhibition is a chance to celebrate and say thank you to everyone. Who would have thought that from that little first shop in Finkle street, my artwork, including those early ‘square sheep’ images which started it all off, would be exhibited in places as far flung as Australia Japan and America.”

The Northern Echo:

Down by the River Side

Fans will be able to meet the artist from 2pm to 6pm on Saturday and the exhibition will continue in the gallery until the end of November.