A SURPRISE bequest from a neighbour proved a turning point for artist Peter Webster.

Already well known for his watercolours and woodcarvings, he turned his attention to miniatures after inheriting embroidery books and materials from friend Margaret Sarraff.

And the fruits of his labours can be seen at Barnoldswick Library over the next month.

On display will be about 12 miniature silk paintings of scenes across the world, ranging from South Africa where he lived for a time to West Craven's very own Bancroft Mill.

The exhibition will also include other miniatures under glass and some based on Zulu beading.

"I have really enjoyed doing the miniatures - they have given me great satisfaction," said Mr Webster, who lives at Overdale Court, Skipton.

"Each one has taken me between four to six weeks to complete, and the exhibition represents my work over three to four years."

He has already held an exhibition of his paintings in Earby and displayed his woodcarvings in Barnoldswick.

Before retiring, Mr Webster worked as a colourist and designer, and completed an HND in designer jewellery at Preston.

"My art follows on from there - it is just another medium," he explained.

His future plans include double painting on silk - for example, painting a cat on one side of the silk, and a figure on the other.

"I love Japanese paintings - their silk work is the best in the world," he declared.

His exhibition opens at Barnoldswick Library today (Friday), and will run for a month.

Picture by Chris Dzidek.