A selection of work with 19th century inspiration, but created using 21st century digital technology, is to be shown in a solo exhibition by Huddersfield artist James Fitzpatrick at the town centre hair salon Czar.

The Imperial Arcade exhibition came about after James went for a haircut. “While I was having my hair cut I got speaking to the manager,” said James, “and showed her some of my work on my phone. She asked me if I’d like to exhibit there.”

A member of Huddersfield Art Society and the charity Artists in Mind, 37-year-old James, from Fixby, has only had one previous solo show, although he exhibits annually with the society.

He describes his current work as being influenced by the 19th century Pre-Raphaelite movement and uses the latest digital media technology to create it, although some of the prints on show reflect his interest in street art and graffiti.

He explained: “I am inspired by the emotive subject matter of the Pre-Raphaelites and the medieval style that they had. I went to the Manchester Art Gallery quite a few years ago to see the Pre-Raphaelite paintings and I was very struck by them.”

An illustration graduate of the Central Lancashire University, James has just started a new role with Creative Minds at the Pathways day centre in Mirfield.

digital print by James Fitzpatrick

Creative Minds is an NHS strategy to improve health and wellbeing through creative projects in partnership with the community. James is to be responsible for updating the website and producing a newsletter.

He is showing a small selection of work at Czar, ranging from images of Skateboard kids to portraiture. The exhibition opens on Saturday, October 25, and is part of the salon’s third anniversary celebrations.

Owner Anna Obbard began showing art on the walls of her salon as a way to showcase student work but now features aspiring local artists as well.

She said: “Originally we did it for students to give them confidence and we do it on a regular basis. I don’t charge any commission.

“Because we have art up in the shop all the time I talk about it to customers and that’s how we find people to exhibit.”