The times they are a ’changin’ for superstar Bob Dylan, whose next big event in London is not a tour date but the opening of the first UK exhibition of his art work.

The National Portrait Gallery is to display 12 specially commissioned portraits by Dylan from August 24 in a move that will introduce another side of the star to his thousands of British fans.

Dylan is best known for songs such as Blowin’ in the Wind and Like a Rolling Stone. What is less known is that the 72-year-old has been sketching and drawing since childhood. However, he has only allowed his work to be displayed publicly in the past six years and never before in Britain.

Sandy Nairne, director of the National Portrait Gallery, said: “Bob Dylan is one of the most influential cultural figures of our time. He has always created a highly visual world either with his words or music, or in paints and pastels.”

The man himself will be in town for three shows at the Royal Albert Hall in November. VIP tickets, which cost up to £200, are already sold out.