THE work of a St Helens artists, which was little known in his lifetime, is being rediscovered through a new exhibition at The World of Glass.

David Storey, who was from Clinkham Wood, died three years ago aged 48.

Hannah Longworth, curator at The World of Glass said: "By then he had won a considerable reputation. Visitors to our exhibition are being really impressed by his striking paintings and delighted to realise that our town has produced an artist of such talent.

"There are references to St Helens in a number of his paintings and people often see much of his work as social commentary."

A former pupil at St Alban's High School on Washway Lane David graduated from Coventry University with a first class honours degree in 1989 before studying for a Master of Arts at the Royal College of Art in London.

He won the John Minton Painting Scholarship to Barcelona in 1992 and exhibited his work around the UK and abroad. he also worked as a visiting tutor at schools in his home town including Sutton High, Carmel College and De La Salle.

David spent around a decade living in the Lake District before returning home for the last two years of his life.

Fred Leather, who was David's art teacher at secondary school, helped set up the exhibition. He said: "Davis was incredibly talented and had been blessed with a rare gift. He was the finest artist I have ever known.

"His name and work remains largely unknown in his home town of St Helens."

The exhibition, which is titled 'A Boat Fit For a King' is in Gallery One until Friday, April 22.