Claire Lewis, from Great Bedwyn, and Prue Swindells, from Devizes, are among a total of 59 artists working in and around Marlborough who are opening up their studios to the general public as part of the national Open Studios Network this summer.

Visitors to the Marlborough Open Studios, which takes place every weekend in July this year, will have the chance to discuss the creative process, techniques and the history of each artwork with artists who range from ceramicists and oil painters to bead makers and caricaturists. 

Claire Lewis, who lives in a Gilbert Scott Jr house at Great Bedwyn, near Marlborough stopped painting in her youth when her brother was killed in an SAS training exercise, but now a mother of three she has returned to it in her 40s.

Prue Swindells, Mark Tully's sister, who was born in India, travelled the world as an army wife and now lives in Devizes and is still painting in her 70s.

For lists of artists, dates of studio openings, maps and other details on the Marlborough Open Studios visit www.marlboroughopenstudios.co.uk or www.openstudiosnetwork.co.uk 

Workshops for MOS visitors will be held throughout July. Many artists also run courses and classes throughout the rest of the year. Visit the MOS website for artists’ details and workshop information.

Pictured from top: Claire Lewis, Prue Swindells