One of Britain's most popular contemporary artists, Jack Vettriano, is to be awarded an honorary degree, the Open University said today.

Vettriano, whose most famous work, The Singing Butler, sold at auction for '744,800 in April, is receiving the award for his contribution to the arts.

The self-taught Scot has complained that snobbery in the art world means that his work is not exhibited in Britain's national galleries.

But the Open University's vice-chancellor, Professor Brenda Gourley, said they wanted to recognise the success of both him and the hundreds of other graduates this year.

"Each year we witness how education enriches the lives of thousands of our students," she said.

"The Open University will continue to help people from all the sections of society to fulfil their dreams and ambitions, further their careers and get the most out of their studies."

Vettriano, who started his career as an engineer in Scotland's coalfields, began painting full-time in 1988 after he featured in a Royal Scottish Academy open exhibition.

He will receive his degree in a ceremony in Ely, Cambridgeshire, on Saturday. Tweet