LYMINGTON'S St Barbe Museum is inviting everyone to come up and see some etchings.

A collection of original prints by one of Britain's best-loved illustrators, Edward Ardizzone, is the latest exhibition at the gallery in New Street.

Ardizzone, who died in 1979, is probably best remembered for his pictures in children's books like Little Tim and English Fairy Tales but he was prolific in many genres, including a stint as a Second World War artist during the North Africa campaign.

St Barbe curator Steve Marshall said: "Oddly enough we have no children's illustrations in the exhibition as they were all watercolours or ink drawings and this is a collection of Ardizzone etchings and lithographs.

"But it is well worth popping in to look at these works as a break from Christmas shopping. There is a lot of humour and beautiful observation of people going about their lives.

"Ardizzone was always a storyteller, and with his gentle eye he noted moments of peace but also all the little dramas - in the pub, at the seaside, even in the artist's studio.

"Even if you are not sure of his name, his instantly-recognisable style will bring fond memories flooding back as you look at these delightful prints."

The St Barbe Museum and Gallery is open Monday to Saturday, 10am until 4pm, and the exhibition is on until December 28.