An artist who has carved a niche by painting gritty images of Birmingham has opened a gallery at the heart of the city’s business district.

City artist Reuben Colley has launched a new venture in a prime spot on Colmore Row.

His paintings will be displayed alongside works from masters such as Picasso, Lowry, Warhol and Damien Hirst and internationally collected artists including Alex Russell Flint, Rick Garland, James Byrne and Mircea Teleaga.

Mr Colley has spent more than 15 years building his reputation and has sold out exhibitions in London ahead of this investment in his home city.

He is best known for his gritty, uncompromising cityscape paintings, and much of his work focuses on Birmingham.

Gallery manager Tim Ison said: “Birmingham city centre needs an independent art gallery which is willing to push boundaries, Reuben has the passion and Colmore Row is the perfect location for us.”

Andy Street, chairman of the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership will officially open the gallery on Thursday, March 5.

He added: “It is another sign of Birmingham’s renaissance that a gallery of this quality is opening in the city centre. I have followed Reuben’s work for a number of years and am delighted that it will now be shown in fitting surroundings.”