The works of the artist John Constable, who painted in Hampstead, are to “come home” to the village after a �50,000 lottery grant was awarded for a major exhibition at Burgh House, a few steps from his former home.

Constable first came to Hampstead in 1812 to escape the city.

He fell in love with the area and moved to the village centre, where he lived with his family until his death in 1837.

The exhibition, to be launched in October, is to commemorate 200 years since Constable’s first visit.

Kate Streeter, manager of Burgh House in New End Square, said: “We’re really delighted and excited about the news.

“It’s a real coup for us to be showing paintings of national importance just steps from the views that inspired them.”

Scenes from near Constable’s Well Walk home and Hampstead Heath inspired his signature studies of dark clouds and brooding skies.

“We’re really pleased we’re going to be able to show the paintings to the local community and we’re hoping to involve as many people as we can in the project,” said Ms Streeter. “There will be a wonderful legacy for the house as well.”

It is hoped the exhibition of loaned works from the Victoria and Albert Museum, sponsored by the Heritage Lottery Fund, will inspire future generations and involve the community as volunteers.