An new exhibition will be unveiled to the public on July 20 at Chester's Grosvenor Museum.

'The Romance of Ruins' is the first exhibition concentrating solely on the artistic prowess of George Cuitt, a revered Regency artist who lived in Chester.

This exhibit leans heavily on the considerable collection of Mr Cuitt's work held by the Grosvenor Museum, much of which has been hidden away from the public eye.

After almost two centuries, the talent of this printmaking master is now set to be newly showcased.

Councillor Lisa Denson, Cheshire West and Chester Council, cabinet member for A Fairer Future, said: "The new exhibition focuses on George Cuitt’s unique etchings, it examines his fascination with medieval architecture, including Chester’s ancient buildings, the castles of North Wales and the ruined abbeys of North Yorkshire."

She also assured visitors that the exhibition will run until January 12, 2025, and that the Grosvenor Museum offers free entry.

His work reflects the influence of ideas of the picturesque and the sublime on early 19th century art.

Though he was influenced by these concepts, Mr Cuitt maintained his individual aesthetic throughout his career.

George Cuitt Rievaulx  (Image: Grosvenor Museum)

He was born in 1779 in Richmond, North Yorkshire, and relocated to Chester in 1804.

During his time in Chester, Mr Cuitt started etching some of the city's landmarks, such as Chester Cathedral and Bishop Lloyd's Palace, and produced numerous etchings of North Wales' castles.

In 1821, Mr Cuitt left Chester to return to Yorkshire where he portrayed numerous local ruined abbeys, including Fountains, Rievaulx, and Kirkstall.

He gave up etching in 1840, spending his remaining years in Masham nurtuing his love for fishing and gardening.

Mr Cuitt passed away in 1854.

Grosvenor Museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10.30am to 5pm and Sunday, 1pm to 4pm.

It remains closed on Monday, except Bank Holiday Mondays.