POEMS and paintings have gone on display in a special library exhibition aimed at sparking new interest in the life and works of a local architect and Bromsgrove Messenger writer.

John Cotton, who was born in 1844, designed a number of well-known buildings around Bromsgrove but his fame faded after his death in 1934.

Now interest could be revived with a new book and the exhibition at the town's library, which runs until Saturday, October 26.

"Until I started setting up the exhibition, I didn't realise John had done so much in the town, " said organiser Lesley O'Connell-Edwards. "I hope people will come and learn more about him."

John's brother William was a well known local historian and John also published pieces on local history, especially in the Messenger.

He worked as an architect in Birmingham from 1870 to 1890 and his principal works included All Saints Church, the Almshouses and the Cottage Hospital in Bromsgrove, as well as the school hall, classrooms and gym at Bromsgrove School and Bromsgrove Institute.

The architect's other works include St Godwalds Church in Finstall, the Wesleyan Memorial Church in Blackwell, Cofton Hackett Parsonage and schools at Lickey End, Salwarpe, Finstall and Rashwood.

He had a liking for art and the display is mostly made up of his paintings, which he left to the Bromsgrove Institute. He was also an aspiring poet and published several volumes.

A book on his life and works by Jennie McGregor-Smith is due to be published in November.