Marlborough Open Studios 2003 presents a wide range of work, including blacksmiths, sculpture, oils, water colours, works on paper, gilding, painted furniture and stained glass and the organisers say the Open Studios make a fascinating day out.

Here are just a few of the artists taking part this year - look out for the Marlborough Open Studio brochure for more details.

-----------------------------------------------

Artist: Susan Kirkman

Studio: Witcha Cottage, Ramsbury, Wiltshire, SN8 2HQ

Contact: 01672 520429

Opening Times: 12/13 July, 19/20 July, 26/27 July 11.00am to 7.00pm or by appointment during the festival and throughout the year.

"Susan uses a variety of media to produce both figurative and abstract images. She has exhibited widely in the West Country and in London. In two studios visitors can see pastels, oils, collage, monoprints, etchings and a display of etching techniques. They can also explore a beautiful 2.5 acre garden."

Directions: Witcha Cottage lies between Ramsbury and Membury and will be signposted at Whittonditch cross-roads on the B4192.

-----------------------------------------------

Artist: Hilary Arnold-Baker

Studio: Victoria House, Wilton, Marlborough, Wiltshire, SN8 3SS

Contact: 01672 870360

Opening Times: 12/13 July, 19/20 July, 26/27 July 11.00am to 5.00pm or by appointment during the festival and throughout the year.

"After a year out, Hilary is back. She strives, as always, to balance imaginative modern design with renaissance techniques in which she was trained. Her newest work includes her familiar gessoed, painted and guilded boxes, mirrors and urns, together with some small but significant pieces of painted furniture."

Directions: leaving the Swan Inn on the left, studio is first on the left after passing the village pond.

-----------------------------------------------

Artist: Clifton Powell

Studio:1 New Cottages, Stowell estate, east Stowell, near Oare, Marlborough, SN8 4JS

Contact: 01672 569142

Opening Times: 12/13 July, 19/20 July, 26/27 July 11.00am to 6.00pm.

"Clifton powell studied at the Jamaica School of Art. His work is joyfully colourful and is executed in a range of media. The paintings are figurative and celebrate the life he sees around him.."

Directions: from Marlborough, drive through Oare on the A345: at prospect take 1st right (Stowell). The house is the last on the left before the road forks.