He is one of Britain's most controversial artists, known for exploring the themes of religion, science, life and death, and now his latest works are coming to Norfolk.

Eastern Daily Press: Work by Damien Hirst will be on display at Houghton Hall. Picture: Damien Hirst and Science LtdWork by Damien Hirst will be on display at Houghton Hall. Picture: Damien Hirst and Science Ltd (Image: Archant)

A new series of paintings by Damien Hirst will go on display in state rooms at Houghton Hall near Fakenham from March 25 until July 15.

It will be the first time that the series of paintings, entitled Colour Space, have been shown to the public and they develop upon the artist's Spot Paintings, which are among his most recognised works.

The exhibition will also include some of Mr Hirst's most celebrated sculptures which will be installed throughout the 18th-century house and gardens.

They will include the celebrated Virgin Mother, which was shown in the courtyard of the Royal Academy in 2006, and Charity, which was installed on Hoxton Square in 2003 and outside the Royal West of England Academy of Art in Bristol in 2011.

Eastern Daily Press: English Lilac (2016), Household gloss on canvas. Picture: Prudence Cuming Associates LtdEnglish Lilac (2016), Household gloss on canvas. Picture: Prudence Cuming Associates Ltd (Image: Archant)

In the entrance hall will be the Saint Bartholomew, Exquisite Pain sculpture, while two smaller ones from the artist's Levitation series, made from air blowers and table tennis balls, will be installed in the Stone Hall.

Lord Cholmondeley, owner of Houghton Hall, said: 'We are delighted to have this opportunity to show Damien Hirst's new paintings in the State Rooms at Houghton, together with some of his best-known sculptures in the grounds.

'It is perhaps the first time that Hirst has shown a significant body of work in a formal country house setting. William Kent's gilded interiors will be transformed for the duration of the show.'

Mr Hirst's work is known around the world and he became famous for a series of artworks in which dead animals, including a shark, a sheep and a cow, were preserved in formaldehyde.

The exhibition is part of the annual visual arts programme of Norfolk & Norwich Festival 2018, which runs for 17 days each May.

The festival will see public spaces, city streets, performance venues, parks, forests and beaches, transformed into spaces for the arts, with a programme that spans music, theatre, literature, visual arts, dance and free outdoor events.

For more information about the event and for tickets visit the Houghton Hall website at www.houghtonhall.com.

Eastern Daily Press: Flesh Tint (2016) Household gloss on canvas. Picture: Prudence Cuming Associates LtdFlesh Tint (2016) Household gloss on canvas. Picture: Prudence Cuming Associates Ltd (Image: Archant)