WORK by some of Worcestershire’s most talented artists has gone on show in Malvern as a sneak preview to a major exhibition being staged later this month.

Worcestershire Open Studios has unveiled 23 images in the Great Malvern Exhibition Walk, which runs along Church Walk and outside Waitrose.

The images feature work in a variety of media including book-binding, drawing, glasswork, painting and photography, with the Malvern Hills providing the inspiration for a few pieces.

The showcase offers a glimpse of what will be on offer when artists across Worcestershire open their studios, homes and shared spaces to visitors over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Some 70 locations will be available to visit and art fans will have a unique opportunity to venture into normally unseen spaces and talk directly to artists about their inspiration and creative processes. There will also be pieces of original and locally made arts and crafts available to see and buy.

Sally Anne Morgan, artist and Worcestershire Open Studios co-organiser, said: “This exhibition is a brilliant way to make art accessible to everyone. It gives a flavour of the fantastic range of artistic talent that Worcestershire has to offer and gives a preview of some of the work people will get a chance to experience during this year’s Worcestershire Open Studios.”

A guide containing details of all the venues and opening times is available at the district’s libraries, Malvern Tourist Information Centre and worcestershireopenstudios.org.uk

Malvern Hills District Council introduced the Great Malvern Exhibition Walk in April 2015, with support from Great Malvern Association of Traders, the Elmley Foundation and Pulse Great Malvern.

The aim was to provide a permanent exhibition space in the town for artists and community groups to display their work, and since its opening, it has been a huge hit with the space already booked up for the next 12 months.

Simon Smith, the district council's economic development manager, said: “We’re delighted with how the exhibition walk has been received. It’s a great way of showcasing the amazing talent we have in the area to a wider audience and the Worcestershire Open Studios exhibition is another fantastic example of that.”

The flavour of Worcestershire Open Studios exhibition can be viewed along Church Walk any time of day or night until September 30 .

Local artistic and community groups interested in booking the space should email ecodev@malvernhills.gov.uk for more information.