STROUD'S Museum in the Park will this weekend open an exhibition celebrating the life and work of Lynn Chadwick, the internationally renowned sculptor, who lived and worked for many years at Lypiatt Park near Stroud.

Lynn Chadwick was born in London on 24 November 1914 and died at Lypiatt Park on 25 April 2003. He came late to sculpture, starting out after the Second World War with experience as an architectural draughtsman, but no formal art school training.

He first came to prominence as one of the twelve semi-finalists for the Unknown Political Prisoner International Sculpture Competition in 1953. From there, Chadwick's work became a cornerstone of all major international art collections.

Celebrating Chadwick is curated by Gallery Pangolin, part of Pangolin Editions, one of Britain's leading sculpture foundries based in Chalford. The director Rungwe Kingdon worked closely with Lynn Chadwick for over twenty years and became Chadwick's sole authorised founder in 1989.

"We hope it is a fitting tribute to a remarkable artist who made Gloucestershire his home," said museum spokesperson Susan Hayward. "Despite his formidable reputation, he has rarely received the public recognition he deserves in this country."

The exhibition includes a total of fourteen works, mainly in bronze, ranging from 'The Stranger' (1954) to 'Crouching Beast IV' (1990).

"In Chadwick's work we meet a primordial power and strength, countered in turn by tenderness, humour and dignity. He was truly one of the giants of twentieth century sculpture," added Susan Hayward.

Celebrating Chadwick opens at 12 noon on Saturday, October 2 and continues until 16 January 2005. Opening hours are: Tuesday to Friday 10am - 4pm, Saturdays and Sundays 11am - 4.30pm. Admission is free.