A FRENCH artist is showing his imagination is certainly not rusty as he gets ready to exhibit a unique array of photographs.

Henri Thierry, from the Champagne region of France, specialises in photographs of rust.

And now he is bringing his collection to Oxford by launching a show at the Perch in Binsey tonight.

The artist is still inspired by a collection of rust paintings he saw in Paris 12 years ago.

The 62-year-old, pictured, said: “Rust can offer you something that you can’t imagine at the beginning.

“In one picture you can see images of sailing boats.

“Nobody wanted this design but it came.”

The French landlord of the Perch, Johnny Mignon, took one look at his compatriot’s work and commissioned the exhibition.

After exhibiting around the world and the UK, this will be Mr Thierry’s first show in Oxford.

Mr Mignon said: “This is a good opportunity because there are fantastic photographs.

“I think it’s very unusual and beautiful.”