AN INTERNATIONAL art exhibition will ensure that the memory of a bare-footed urchin from Liverpool who became an artist of international renown will not be forgotten.

Held on the “toffs” street of Bold Street, where pavement art was once forbidden, the event will celebrate the life of Victorian artist James William Carling.

Born in 1857 in the deprived Irish area of Scotland Road, Carling struggled to survive as a talented artist.

At the age of eight, he was forced to scratch a living through street art following the death of his mother.

Considered a beggar by the authorities, he spent his days “screeving” directly onto the city's streets.

He used to paint on Bold Street, which was nicknamed the “promenade of aristocracy” and was arrested many times and beaten up by police.

He himself wrote: “Bold Street! My heart sickens at your name”.

At the age of 14, he moved to the US with his brother, Henry, where he gained fame for his work.

His illustrations of the poem, The Raven, were displayed within the Edgar Allan Poe Museum, in Virginia.

He died at the age of 30, but, in Liverpool, he has never been given the credit he deserves and his body lies in a pauper’s grave in Walton Park Cemetery.

Ron Formby, of the Scottie Press and historian Michael Kelly, have spent the last six years seeking recognition for his work.

Mr Kelly has traced Carling’s ancestors in the US and has a book published, Liverpool Irish Connections, a series of short biographies, including James Carling’s.

For him, Carling “represents the success of the Irish people in Liverpool, the fighting spirit”.

He and Mr Formby successfully campaigned for a plaque to be installed within Holy Cross School, where Carling was a pupil, last year.

But both see the next step towards his full consecration would be to have Carling’s masterpieces displayed in Liverpool museums.

Mr Formby said: “There is a great story behind Carling’s life and his work is amazing, many people think he worked in pastel but he used chalk.

“We’re pleased the plaques are installed and pavement art, which is huge around the world, is returning to the city.”

A pavement art competition is now to be held next month, and all adult Merseyside artists can enter the competition which will be held on Rope Walks Square, outside FACT, on Saturday, October 18.

Mr Formby said: “It’s ironic the event is being held on Bold Street where it was once banned, but we want to go further and see Carling’s work back in Liverpool.”

The competition theme is “Out of the Galleries” with participants asked to interpret any work from National Museums and Galleries Liverpool.

The winners will be awarded at the Carling Gallery, above Maggie Mays Cafe, which has an exhibition of Carling’s work.

Pitches are limited and applicants must register for free until October 4, at www.merseyworld.com/ interfest/jamescarling.htm

Mr Kelly added: “Pavement art is the simplest way to encourage children to understand the beauty of art, it will bring the city to life.”