Motorcycle enthusiasts will learn about the life and work of technical artist Francis Simpson at an event in Downend library.

Mr Simpson joined the staff of The Motor Cycle magazine in 1916 in Coventry, with the task of producing drawings of the latest motorcycling developments.

He later spent two years as advertising manager for Douglas Motors in Kingswood, before rejoining the magazine's head office in London.

Laid off in the Depression in 1932, he became a successful freelance technical artist, working with companies such as Matchless, Vincent-HRD, Imperial Airways and the Bristol Aeroplane Company.

Last year, during a local house clearance, a collection of his work was found, including notebooks, scrapbooks, badges, medals and original drawings.

Although destined for the Bristol Records Office, the material was first used by Alan Freke, of Frenchay Village Museum, to publish a book on the life and works of Mr Simpson, as technical illustration is one of the least documented aspects of motorcycle history.

Mr Freke will give a talk about Mr Simpson's legacy at 7.30pm on Thursday.

Tickets cost £2 and are available from all South Gloucestershire libraries. The book, Precise in Every Part, will be on sale.