AN ARTWORK collection created by a Bramley artist, in homage to one of Britain’s biggest 1960s rock bands, was displayed at a historic gig in London.

Sixties legends The Who were at the forefront of rock ‘n’ roll culture and their 1973 album Quadrophenia formed the unforgettable soundtrack of the hit film of the same name, featuring epic battles between the infamous Mods and Rockers.

A £1.8million collection created by a late Bramley artist featuring rare paintings inspired by their music and original merchandise from the film was exhibited at the band’s 50th anniversary tour at the 02 Arena in London in March.

The images – which feature Egyptian motifs and abstract designs – were created by Bramley artist John Davis.

Mr Davis was commissioned in 1969 by The Who to do the artwork for their first book A Decade of the Who, eventually released in 1977. Tragically he died in 2006 and they were passed down in his will to best friend Paul Kelly.

Paul now displays it as his Whofreak Artwork, combining it with antique Vespa motorcycles, Mod suits and a parker coat signed by one of the cast.

Diehard fans had the chance to see the collection at The Who Turns 50 tour at the O2 Arena.

The tour initially launched last year but the final shows were postponed when singer Roger Daltrey fell ill with a throat infection.

The illustration collection was valued at £500,000 in 2008 and last year Mr Kelly signed a deal with the band’s official merchandising company Bandmerch to create limited edition and order versions of them.

This, along with a collection of motorbikes, clothing and limited edition records, means the whole collection is worth an estimated £1.8m.

It comes after he initially tried to sell the paintings for £165,000 on a global internet auction site in 2009 but received no takers.

Mr Kelly, who has often displayed the merchandise at The Who conventions, said: “It was really good and fun. People were constantly taking pictures and asked me questions about the scooters.”

Hailing Mr Davis who he met at a history re-enactment society in Fordingbridge in 1991, he said: “Pete was a very close friend and the band all knew him well.

“By leaving me the artwork I am keeping his name alive and all The Who fans really appreciate what I’ve done. Lucky they didn’t sell and I’ve been able to do this over the last eight years.”