Willard Wigan's microscopic artworks exhibited in Birmingham Published duration 2 January 2015

image copyright PA image caption Mr Wigan's works include a miniature version of the athlete Usain Bolt

A Birmingham sculptor, whose works are so small they can only be viewed through a microscope, is holding an exhibition in his home city.

Willard Wigan, 57, a micro-sculptor, creates pieces that sit within the eye of a needle or on a pin-head.

image copyright PA image caption He says he became interested in micro-sculpture at the age of five

image copyright PA image caption His works sit within the eye of a needle or on a pin-head

An exhibition of his works is being held at the Library of Birmingham from 11 January.

Mr Wigan, who is also a patron of the £189m library, said the works were borne from his "fantasy world".

The artist said he first became interested in micro-sculpture aged five when he began making houses for ants because he thought they needed somewhere to live.

image copyright PA image caption He was awarded an MBE for services to art in 2007

image copyright PA image caption His works are so minute that they are only visible through a microscope

His works include miniature versions of athlete Usain Bolt, a hummingbird and cartoon characters Pinocchio and Cinderella.

The sculptor was awarded an MBE for services to art in 2007.

image copyright PA image caption Pinocchio will be among the exhibits at the Library of Birmingham, where Mr Wigan is also a patron

image copyright PA image caption This galleon is among the pieces Mr Wigan has created

Explaining his decision to support the library, which opened in 2013 , Mr Wigan said: "Literacy and learning initiatives can support, encourage, challenge and enhance [children], whatever their abilities.

"These initiatives are even more important in Birmingham where literacy levels are amongst the lowest in the country."

Part of the proceeds from the exhibition will support community programmes operated by the library.

Related Topics Birmingham