A LIFELONG 'frustrated artist' is enjoying his first public exhibition in Harrow - at the grand age of 86.

Grandfather Vincent Dolan, of Roseland Care Home, in Draycott Avenue, Kenton, completed a foundation art course 10 years ago following years of working as a plumber and property developer.

His daughter Maureen Adams, 58, of Stanmore, said: "He has always been a frustrated artist and because of his age group, he's always had to have a normal job.

"He was a plumber and then a property developer in the 70s and 80s. He was 76 when he did his A-level in art at Harrow College.

"He loved going to class because all the young students asked him for advice and admired his work.

"He was a very mature student."

She added: "It was the manager of the care home, Coral, who

organised the exhibition. The care home has been very supportive of his art and have hung some of his paintings on the walls."

Widower Mr Dolan, who suffers from Hodgkin's lymphoma, has 22 images from the past decade going on display, including still lifes and seascapes.

"The exhibition is called The Other Vincent, as opposed to van Gogh," Mrs Adams said.

"My father loves showing his work and wants people to see what he can do. He enjoys people discussing his paintings and asking him questions.

"He always carries a sketchbook on him and has been known to sketch total strangers on the back of menus and napkins. His grandchildren think he's eccentric, but fun."

The exhibition is at Elliott Hall, in Harrow Arts Centre, Uxbridge Road, Hatch End, until Monday.