Artist Stuart Semple giving away prints tonight (From Bournemouth Echo)

Artist Stuart Semple giving away prints tonight at Metropolis in Westbourne

2:00pm Tuesday 12th February 2013 in News By Arron Hendy

AN ARTIST described as “a latter-day Andy Warhol” is giving his pictures to youngsters at his homecoming exhibition.

Former Poole college student Stuart Semple sells his work in New York, Milan, London and Hong Kong and has celebrity fans including Noel Gallagher, Dave Stewart and Debbie Harry.

But he has moved his studio from London to an old joinery in Branksome Park, Poole, and will hand over prints to the first 50 under 21-year-olds who visit his show in Westbourne tonight.

And those over 20 who want to buy a print will get one for half price with proof of an address with a BH postcode.

Stuart, 32, who grew up In Bournemouth and went to St Peter's School, said: “When I was growing up here there were no art galleries to go to and I didn't think being an artist was an option.

“So if youngsters come I would like to give them something for the effort.”

Stuart is handing out signed prints worth £149 at the exhibition at Metropolis in Seaview Road.

The What's Love Got to do With It? exhibition starts at 6pm today (Tuesday February 12) and runs until March 20.

Stuart left Dorset 10 years ago but last year he returned to Bournemouth and Poole College to open the new £1million North Lights Centre for art and design and decided to come home.

“That's what made me think 'hang on a minute I've been forgetting about here',” he added.

“I had a little flat in Alum Chine and was coming down for the odd weekend until then.”

Stuart is also helping out with the launch of the Arts University Bournemouth's annual Billboard competition.