AN ARTIST preparing to fill two giant vats with £1,200 of fresh milk to watch it curdle and go rancid could, in theory, end up prosecuting himself.

Martin White, in addition to being an artist with an unusual choice of materials, is a dairy hygiene inspector.

After two weeks of June temperatures the milk will have turned into a toxic liquid that can be disposed of only under special licence.

Mr White, 45, hopes that people will watch his 5,000 litres of milk go sour and turn green as it is left exposed to the air as part of a farm arts project.

The project has received some funding from the Arts Council but he is spending £1,200 of his own money to buy the milk. Mr White, who works for Teignbridge Council environmental health department, has created his display called Spilt Milk for an annual art display at Middle Rocombe Farm, Stokeinteignhead, Devon.

The farm, better known for its organic ice-cream, has filled its redundant farm buildings with paintings and sculptures.

He said: “I wanted to give an insight into how beautiful milk is, and show how even such a wholesome foodstuff can transform into a toxic substance over time.”

The installation will go on display from Saturday.

Peter Redstone, the farm owner and project chairman, said: “We do not anticipate any issues but any complaints could end up being directed to Martin in his official capacity.”