Blue plaque honours renowned artist

Dr Fenwick Lawson, centre, unveiled the blue plaque alongside his former pupils Sir Brendan Foster, left, and Alan J Smith

A blue plaque which honours the work of a world-renowned artist has been unveiled at his former home.

Bow Cottage in Durham was where Dr Fenwick Lawson created The Journey sculpture which stands in the city's Millennium Square in Walkergate.

The artwork was erected in 2008 and depicts how monks brought the body of St Cuthbert to the city.

Dr Lawson unveiled the plaque himself alongside former pupils, former athlete and Great North Run founder Sir Brendan Foster, and retired international architect Alan J Smith.

The bronze sculpture was installed in Durham's Millennium Place in 2008

Although the house on Bow Lane is unlisted, the area is of historical importance, tracing its origins back to medieval times.

Sir Brendan said Dr Lawson had left "an unbeatable legacy of cultural heritage for the city" and beyond.

Born in 1932, in South Moor in County Durham, Dr Lawson studied art at Sunderland College of Art before being awarded a place at The Royal College of Art in London.

His sculptures often depict religious themes and can be seen across the North East and as far afield as Vatican City.

Speaking at the ceremony Dr. Lawson said the blue plaque was not about him but his work which showed mankind's "humanity".

Chair of City of Durham Parish Council’s environment committee, Councillor Carole Lattin, said Bow Cottage recognised "an incredible portfolio of work by a great man".