A rare exhibition of graffiti artist Banksy's work is to open in Croydon.

It Began on the Walls, billed as the most high-profile art show in the borough's history, will launch tonight at Rise Gallery in St George's Walk.

The gallery's opening in October heralded the development of an arts quarter in the town centre and the Banksy exhibition is likely to draw new visitors from far afield.

Kevin Zuchowski-Morrison, founder of Rise, said: "It is the biggest high-profile art exhibition that has happened in Croydon. For sure, it is a very big thing. It is quite nerve-wracking because it's such a special thing.

"We have got some really special works, some canvasses, some very rarely seen work in the public eye. There is a huge selection of work which you hardly ever find together, if at all actually. We have been very lucky to land this exhibition."

The retrospective exhibition, which will run until August 29, will feature 21 Banksy pieces as well as pictures by Palestinian photographer Shady Alassar. 

Alassar has photographed Banksy's work in Gaza.

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Mr Zuchowski-Morrison is expecting visitors from as far afield as Norway and Ireland for a private viewing of the exhibition tonight before it opens fully to the public tomorrow.

He sees the show as a sign of growing respect for Croydon's arts scene and described it as "an honour and a privilege" to be playing a role in transforming the town's image.

He said: "Croydon is my home and to be part of something that really making a difference, I just feel very honoured and so lucky. 

"We've been given a great opportunity by some very well-known collectors and it's a wonderful opportunity to show that the art world is behind us. 

"Since we've opened here, it is amazing. Seven units have been taken up on our street, there are loads of improvements happening here, we have increased footfall by about 400 per cent, and it is not funded by anyone.

"There is no external funding to help out, it is purely off my back and the art community have been here to be behind us completely. 

He added: "We are just outside the town, we are not on central London, and actually I think that's been to our advantage.

"There is so much positivity around Croydon at the moment and it's really uplifting, the positive reaction we have had from everyone. It is a really special thing."

Rise Gallery is open  Tuesday to Friday, 10am-6pm, and Saturday, 10am-4pm. Entry is free.