A NORTH Yorkshire painter is busy redrawing the art of political protest.

Retired graphic design lecturer John Daffern, pictured, uses brush strokes to tackle complex campaign issues like terrorism, the future of public services and taxation.

The 60-year-old's striking portraits are already creating a stir - after being displayed temporarily in the window of his Harrogate antiques shop.

John, who has been painting since childhood, said: "I hung them here only while my home studio is refurbished, but the reaction has been stunning.

"One man knocked on the window giving a thumbs up, and others have signalled their approval." He told how some people have warned that he could "get into trouble" for showing them, but said: "This is an odd reflection of how people feel about modern life. I believe you should be able to say what you want in a free, democratic society."

Now, John, who studied at Manchester College of Art in the 1960s, is hoping to gain a year's sponsorship to concentrate on completing his exploration of protest art.

Updated: 10:46 Saturday, April 30, 2005