SKETCHES and drawings by the late Govinder Nazran will go on display for the first time at the Castle Galleries in Newcastle next week.

The gallery, in Monument Mall, will host the poignant Legacy exhibition from May 21 until the beginning of July.

Based in West Yorkshire, Govinder was best known for paintings and sculptures featuring symbolic images, mostly of cats, dogs, elephants and horses.

This exhibition follows the discovery by his widow, Sarah, of a treasure trove of his private sketchbooks in his studio. Govinder died in December 2008, aged just 44, after a fall at his home.

Glyn Washington, managing director of Govinder’s publishing company, Washington Green Fine Art, said: “Occasionally, an artist emerges who is so extraordinary that the landscape of contemporary art is altered in some way.

“The inimitable Govinder Nazran was one such artist and we are delighted to share his incredible sketches following the recent discovery.

“These original sketches, drawings and notations made by Govinder during the development of each piece of art, are perhaps the closest we will ever come to seeing the world through the artist’s eyes.

“The sketches are beautifully drawn and are both moving and intellectually funny. They pay homage to Govinder’s indisputable talent for brightening up the dullest day or greyest spirit with the incandescence of his imagination.”

Alongside the exhibition of sketches, drawings and other original artworks, visitors will be able to view and buy a new limited-edition book entitled Legacy, The Work 1999-2008.

Known as a warm and witty man, Govinder nonetheless felt his shyness made it hard to articulate his thoughts verbally. He once said: “My true personality reveals itself through my paintings.

“I leave it to the individual to look at my paintings and choose what they would like to see, innocence or malevolence – the ‘good’ or the ‘evil’. Ultimately, I want to paint something that makes people smile.”

Prices for the sketches start at £1,250. For more details, call 0191 233 2200 or visit www.castlegalleries.com