A PORT Glasgow man’s artwork will go on display in Inverclyde this week after he recently hosted his first solo show at the age of 71.

John Moody’s photographs, prints and sketches were shown at the Glasgow Print Studio at the city’s Trongate last month.

The former teacher moved to Inverclyde in 1980, with much of his work being inspired his view of the Clyde from his home.

John’s collection is now due to go on display at the Wyllieum at Greenock Ocean Terminal, where he serves as a volunteer.

He told the Tele: “The exhibition in Glasgow was very well received.

“I got lots of positive feedback and a number of local people came along to see it.

“I’m really grateful to the Wyllieum for giving me this opportunity."

The exhibition will open at the Wyllieum (Image: George Munro)

The Wyllieum – a space dedicated to Inverclyde artist George Wyllie - opened to the public in April.

The gallery is housed within the £20 million visitor centre on Greenock’s waterfront, which was officially launched in August last year.

Since opening, it has displayed a number of Wyllie’s works, as well as previously unseen archival documents, photographs and drawings.

John’s exhibition features photographs and poetry inspired by the River Clyde, including a piece based on Port Glasgow's Goliath crane – which was demolished in 1997.

He said it will be an ‘honour’ to share gallery space with Wyllie, and hopes visitors can draw parallels between the two sets of works.

John added: “The work is based on views of the Clyde where it becomes the estuary.

The Goliath crane features in one of John Moody's personal favourites from his new exhibitionThe Goliath crane features in one of John Moody's personal favourites from his exhibition (Image: Contributed)

“From my window, I can see the changing moods and what’s on the Clyde.

“Living in Port Glasgow, I saw the decline of industry on the river, which George alluded to with his Paper Boat and Straw Locomotive.

“We’ve all got an affinity with what he was talking about.

“I hope the exhibition complements what George was saying about Inverclyde being a vibrant place to live.”

Willie Sutherland, general manager at the Wyllieum, said: “Part of the whole history of George Wyllie himself is that he started in art later in life.

“As well as John’s work being great, his story is fantastic. He’s just had his first exhibition at the age of 71.

READ MORE: Port Glasgow teacher's artwork on display for first time

“With this series of work being about the Clyde, it’s wonderful to be able to display it here right on the water.”

John’s work will be on display in the Wyllieum’s Upstairs Basement gallery from Friday, with the exhibition due to run until the end of September.

Staff at the museum are also preparing to ‘refresh’ its main gallery, where Wyllie’s ‘Spires’ are currently on display.

Willie added: “It was always our intention to change that room two or three times a year.

“I’m excited to get the pieces we’ve got in the storeroom out and hopefully it’ll be a real crowd pleaser.”

The Wyllieum is open from 12pm-5pm Wednesday to Sunday, and entry is free.

The gallery is occasionally open on Monday and Tuesday, subject to the Greenock Ocean Terminal timetable.