A chaotic bookshop which recently closed down has been transformed into a temporary gallery space by artist Caroline Brown.

"I loved this bookshop - it's very sad that it has gone. I like to think the exhibition will be more than just an opportunity to display our artwork in a new environment. I hope it will also help remind people of a piece of Brighton's history that is about to disappear."

The exhibition includes work by local and graduate artists.

Sculptor Kay Thornton has produced a tomblike structure consisting of piles of the books that were left in the abandoned shop.

It symbolises the death of the shop that was run by Noel Brookes for the 30 years.

The enigmatic bookseller seemed to have every single book catalogued in his head despite the random-looking stacks of books covering the shop floors.

Potter Bebe Bird features several clay female torsos painted with various surface patterns ranging from lace to textural organic impressions.

Brown's vibrant pastel drawings are great cocktails of colour drawn from particular memories.

"I like to absorb fragments of life - visual snapshots, scraps of the past, stories I've heard and flashes of colour," she explains.

The success of the exhibition has prompted Brown to plan other shows in empty spaces. She is also hoping to hold a sale of the remaining books after the exhibition.

If anyone is interested in helping, email carolinebrown@yahoo.co.uk All work is for sale.