An internationally respected Luton artist has died at the age of 81.

John Plumb was one of the most highly regarded abstract painters Britain has produced.

His work is represented in the Tate and other major collections, although he never quite managed to become the household name many believed he deserved to be.

Plumb was born in Luton on February 6, 1927, the eldest son to Mr and Mrs W E Plumb who had a shop in Kimpton Road, and he was quick to show his artistic talent.

He worked for a while in Vauxhall Motors' styling department before going to London at the age of 20 to study at the Byam Shaw School of Drawing and Painting.

The young artist returned to town two years later to study at the Luton School of Art, where he also taught, before joining the Central School of Art, London.

It was at this time he married his longtime friend and fellow Lutonian Joan Lawrence, of Waller Avenue, and she formed the subject for a portrait in oils that won him top place in the Festival of Art Exhibition at the Odeon Cinema, Luton.

By 1957, Plumb had moved away from portraits and into abstract painting and he had his first solo London exhibition, at Gallery One.

In 1960 he featured in what was probably his most important group exhibition - at the RBA galleries along with other emerging abstract artists.

The "bearded and long-haired" painter was now living in London and teaching at Luton Technical College, Park Square, three days a week.

Most of his time was spent painting in his Chiswick studio producing work in a style known as "hard edge".

Plumb continued to live and work in and around London for the next 30 years. In 1993 he moved to Yarnscombe, Devon.

In the past year his work has again appeared on the art critics' radar and it is thought Plumb may finally, although posthumously, get the recognition his talent deserved.

To see more of his work visit click here