Gallery turns down Dylan artwork

The gallery said the artist's work was "not for us"

A gallery on Teesside has turned down the chance to display sketches and drawings by singer Bob Dylan.

The "Time's they're a'changing" legend wanted to display some of his art at Middlesbrough's Institute of Modern Art (Mima), which opened last year.

But Gavin Delahunty curator of fine art at the gallery said the offer was turned down after it was decided the work was "not for us".

He said work was accepted on merit not on the popularity of the celebrity.

He said: "Like all the applications that are sent into us they are assessed by a team and we took a long time to look at the work and review them, it was a series of graphic work and sketches, but it wasn't for us.

"We don't just foster a culture of celebrity at Mima, we have a first class, winning programme and that is what is winning hearts and minds in Middlesbrough."

More than 250,000 visitors have visited the gallery since it opened in 2007.