Local artist Thomas Bartlett describes the University of Leicester Engineering Building as "abstract, confident and subversive" - aspects that inspired him to create a striking, red and white interpretation of James Stirling and James Gowan’s post-war modernist design.

Completed in 1963, the Engineering Building has been hailed as one of the top 10 most inspiring buildings in the UK. The design is like that of a ship and it has the distinction of a Grade 2* Listing. Considered the first post-modernist building in the UK, it is designed to excite and be exciting.

Professor Fothergill and Thomas Bartlett.

Mr Bartlett, 27, from Barwell, near Hinckley, has worked as a professional artist for five years and is based at Leicester Print Workshop in Highfields. He initially contacted the Head of the Department of Engineering, Professor John Fothergill, to invite him to view the painting at an exhibition at the New Walk Museum and Art Gallery in December. After seeing it, Professor Fothergill and other staff in the department were so impressed with the 5ft-by-5ft canvas that they arranged for the university to purchase the piece, and its unveiling on the 7 February marked it as a permanent fixture within the Engineering Building itself.

Mr Bartlett said that it was an honour to have his work displayed in the building that inspired it, hopeful that many students, academics and staff will enjoy the work as much as he does.

• University Press Release