A LEADING member of Malvern's artistic community has died, aged 68.

A funeral service is being held tomorrow (Thursday) at St Andrew's Church, Poolbrook, at noon for poet and painter Ian Fearnside, who was an inspiration for many people over many years.

Mr Fearnside ran an art shop on Belle Vue Terrace in the town centre from the early 70s to the mid 90s and was deeply involved in the late 70s revival of the Malvern Fringe.

Daughter Lauren Fearnside said: "He opened the shop when he was in his early twenties and it became an important and valued hub in Malvern.

"He knew more about art materials than most, having grown up in his parents' Worcester shop; artists, both professional and amateur, came from miles around seeking his advice.

"He loved Malvern and the Malvern Hills, which were a source of inspiration for his paintings, and cared deeply about maintaining the beauty of Malvern.

"He was always keen to support fellow artists, and was one of the first to recognise the sculptures of Walenty Pytel and sold some of his earliest works in his shop."

Pytel's sculpture of two buzzards now graces Rosebank Gardens, just a few moments' walk from where the shop was located.

His paintings are in private and public collections throughout the UK, Europe, USA, Asia, Russia and even the Falkland Islands.

Lauren Fearnside said: "When he started out, his paintings were very eclectic, but he gradually developed his characteristic style.

"He used to say that he didn't paint landscapes or scenery, he painted light and shade."

The last 12 years of Mr Fearnside's life were overshadowed by serious illnesses, but his daughter said that he kept as active as he could with art and poetry.

"He was always making lists of what he would do when he got out of the hospital.

"Since he died, so many people have said to me how important he was in inspiring them to persevere with their own painting or poetry."

He leaves his long-term partner Jan Sykes and children Lauren and Joel.