FIVE decades of a Barry artist's work has gone on display in his home town.

A Retrospective by Alan Salisbury is now being exhibited at Art Central, the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s gallery, following a launch event last week.

From his home in Barry, where he has lived for more than 40 years, Alan has established himself as a well-recognised and renowned fine artist.

More than 100 people attended the opening of the exhibition which honours his five decades of work in the visual arts.

Inspired by the great masters, such as Caravaggio and Goya, the paintings and drawings on show chart the progressive steps taken by the artist in the development of his work. His most recent work is meticulously detailed and often humorous.

After completing a foundation course at Manchester School of Art Salisbury subsequently studied at the Liverpool School of Art and the Royal College of Art in London before taking up teaching posts at the Glamorgan College of Education and then the Polytechnic of Wales.

Mayor of the Vale of Glamorgan Fred Johnson welcomed the crowds to Art Central, saying he was delighted to be opening this exhibition.

Councillor Johnson commended the quality and humour of the work, identifying ‘The Art of Goalkeeping’ as his favourite series, which has been displayed as a quirky installation demonstrating the 3-5-2 formation.

Artist Frances Woodley also spoke at the launch, saying: “The exhibition presents an interesting mix of reality and parallel reality, which Alan has imaginatively and cleverly portrayed through his landscape, still life, portraiture and football series.”

Alan Salisbury himself thanked everyone who was involved in the exhibition, with particular thanks going to the Vale of Glamorgan Council for enabling him to exhibit his life time of work in what he believed to be “one of the best art galleries in Wales”.

The exhibition is open until January 2 before leaving for a tour of other venues across Wales. For more information contact 01446 709496 or visit www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/arts.