THE summer exhibition at Malvern School of Arts was a great success, say organisers, with a steady stream of visitors through the door to admire work by over 700 students.

One of the highlights of the show was a large sculpture of Guy Woodford, himself a sculptor and a veteran tutor at the college since the 1960s.

It was created by one of Mr Woodford's students, John Harvey and was much remarked on by visitors.

Caroline Park, head of the arts school, said: "We are very proud to have Guy working with us, resulting in an exceptional and unrivalled sculpture department.

"Guy is also known locally for his many years of work with the Green Party, and everyone who attended the exhibition appeared to recognise him immediately."

Other Malvern institutions immortalised by art students this year included the Blue Bird Tea Rooms, at the top of Church Street, a regular haunt of composer Edward Elgar.

Textile students at the college created a number of works that were exhibited at the tea shop earlier this year, and these works were gathered in one room at the exhibition.

"This room proved very popular with visitors, and the students manning it sold pieces every day, bringing their total exhibition sales to nearly £1,000," said Mrs Park.

The Malvern Gazette itself featured in a large mixed-media piece which attracted some attention.

As well as paintings and sculptures, the works on display included silver jewellery, bookbinding, and stained glass.

Guests at the private view this year included the college’s new interim principal David Ansell, who said he was "very impressed with the creativity" and Jon Wilkes, who will lead the the School of Art's new Higher National Diploma course in fine arts from September.

If you missed the exhibition, highlights are on display in the cafeteria at Malvern Library, Graham Road, until September.