An innovative local sculptor, who died two years ago, will leave a lasting legacy to the Fishguard area.

Renowned artist and sculptor John Cleal died in April 2007.

His family is carrying out his request that his sculpture Sun Lover should be sited at Lower Town, Fishguard, as a tribute of his great affection for the area where he lived for more than 30 years.

The family has also arranged for his oil on canvas Bird’s Eye View of Lower Town to be displayed at the tourist information centre in Fishguard Town Hall The late, talented and versatile artist was renowned for his generosity in donating work for public viewing, based on his concern at the lack of public art in Britain compared with other European countries.

Over the years he donated paintings to the Velindre Cancer Centre, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham and sculpture to Withybush Hospital, the Tourist Information Centre/Oriel-y-Parc, St Davids and Cwmaman Public Hall.

His herring sculpture Sgadan Abergwaun commemorating the village’s early herring industry, is a notable feature of the quay at Lower Town.

Mr Cleal was the founder of Workshop Wales, which is now run by his son Mitchell and daughter-in-law Alice Mitchell at Manorowen.

There will be an opportunity to buy some last examples of his work at an exhibition which opens in Manorowen today, Sunday, May 10th Fellow artists paid tribute following his death, and those who worked with him described him as a person who brought creative enthusiasm and an artistic community to the area.

He never stopped experimenting and constantly produced work which was sent all over the world.

The South African-born artist settled in Pembrokeshire in 1961, after travelling all over the world in pursuit of his craft.

Mr Cleal put on one-man shows and contributed to national group exhibitions, constantly surprising with new thoughts and styles.