AN exhibition of over 50 watercolour paintings with a European theme are to be displayed in Burnley. Paintings by Turner, Prout, Leaver and Roberts will go on display at Towneley Hall from February 23 to April 27.

Included is a famous portrait of Charles Townley, one of the former owners of Towneley Hall, by the artist Zoffany.

The watercolours have been specially conserved for the exhibition, thanks to grants totalling £8,500 from the North West Museums Service and a bequest fund.

Councillor Barry Gutteridge said: "The paintings capture the atmospheric and early days of exotic European and Middle Eastern travel.

"So come and see the fascinating sights of Rome, Naples and Venice and Verona. Marvel at the terrifying Alpine passes into Switzerland and the Gothic architecture of Germany and Belgium. Explore North Africa and the ancient city of Jerusalem, viewed by the artists of the 19th and early 20th centuries."