AN ANGLESEY artist is celebrating his 90th birthday in style - by having his latest work showcased at a respected gallery in Conwy.

Karel Lek MBE, who lives in Beaumaris, was invited to put his work on show at the Royal Cambrian Academy of Art (RCA) as part of his celebrations.

The 50-piece exhibit, on display until July 13, also pays tribute to Karel’s 65 year membership of the RCA.

Speaking on being invited, Karel said: “It’s always an honour. Even at 90 years old, I still walk into these exhibits and think ‘is this me? Have I done all this?’.

“The Cambrian has really good light and I’m glad that some of my best work is being displayed there.”

Karel was born in Antwerp, Belgium, in 1929. He moved to Bangor in 1940 when his father found employment in the city and lived there for 17 years before moving to Beaumaris, where he has resided ever since.

His love for art began when he was four years old, when his father would take him to museums in Antwerp, where he grew up idolising the works of Belgian artists such as Constant Permeke and James Ensor.

Speaking on his latest exhibit at the Cambrian Academy, Karel said: "An artist always feels as though his most exciting work is the one which he is working on now.

"However, I have so many pieces in currently on show at the Cambrian which I hold close to my heart. 'Worshippers', 'Orange Balloon', 'Celtic Myths' and 'Autumn Dusk, Llanllechid' are just a few that stand out.

"I managed to sell one piece on the opening day. It was one I painted in 1955 whilst I was teaching in London and is a powerful picture depicting immigrants."

In February 2018, Karel's painting of Bangor City fans at Farrar Road in 1952 and an engraving of Liverpool fans walking into Anfield on a piece of wood were purchased by the National Football Museum in Manchester. They have since become a permanent display there.

Karel, who was was awarded the OBE in 2003, says he "only ever wanted to be a painter."

"I have had the pleasure of painting so many people and places over the years," he said.

"When you are dead, you're work becomes your heart and name becomes a brand. I hope I can leave behind a legacy."