In June 2022 George Westren, a little-known artist who sadly died in 2021 during the UK’s Covid lockdown, made news headlines across the world. Why? Because a neighbour recovered Westren’s portfolio of intricate op art drawings from a skip, following a house clearance one year after his death.

Not surprisingly, Westren’s artwork went viral on Twitter, where his story of humble beginnings, homelessness, addiction and eventual salvation through art touched hundreds of thousands of people. Funds raised through the sale of a small run of prints helped to preserve, catalogue and now exhibit Westren’s artwork.

On the Straight and Narrow features more than 40 works from across Westren’s life. You’ll encounter his simple ‘tunnel’ designs, pulsating stars, battling chevrons, interlocking spears and protruding 3D edges, which hover between subtle op art illusion and muscular, graphic clarity. Curated by Alan Warburton, the neighbour who rescued the works, this captivating free and exhibition presents an unparalleled insight into Westren’s life and art.

‘For George, art was a means of transformation and salvation,’ says Warburton. ‘For those touched by his story, it is a symbol of hope in the face of adversity.’ What better way to start the year?