HIGHCLIFFE Castle is launching an exhibition on September 5 to celebrate the life and work of local craftsman David Ballantyne.

A noted ceramist and artist, Mr Ballantyne lived in Walkford and was head of ceramics at the Bournemouth College of Arts from 1950 until his retirement in 1978.

During this time he taught many students who went on to carve successful careers in art. Some of these artists will also have work on show at the exhibition.

Among Mr Ballantyne's pottery and architectural commissions were replica 19th century roof tiles for historic buildings in Edinburgh and ornate concrete litter bins for the Royal Borough of Windsor.

He also manufactured replacement airbricks for the 68 Napoleonic forts along the Channel coast.

Closer to home, he designed the eagles on the gates to Poole Park and the Saxon warrior tiled motif at the Pound Lane entrance to Saxon Square in Christchurch.

Less conventional pottery included wine spittoons taken to French vineyards to pay for French holidays.

The exhibition at Highcliffe Castle will illustrate the life of the craftsman, who died in 1990, with examples of his work lent by the Ballantyne family and local people.

Open daily, 11pm to 5pm, from tomorrow until October 19, admission is £4.50, with children free.