A renowned silk dyer and retailer in Gloucestershire is launching a new gallery to support local residents and artisans.

Beckford Silk, based in Beckford near Tewkesbury, will be launching the opening of the gallery during a special event especially for customers and residents who are local to the company.

Part of Beckford Silk's current shop shall be converted into the art gallery and will feature work of local artists and craftspeople with the plan of raising the company profile and increasing footfall.

Artist Antonia Black, potter Toff Milway and one other artist to be confirmed will attend the launch on Friday 21 July from 5pm.

Antonia Black is a highly respected watercolourist, whose work has been recognised nationally by her prizewinning work in the prestigious Singer/Friedlander/Sunday Times Watercolour competition three times.

Toff Milway has worked with pottery since 1968 and specialises in the making of pots that are beautiful, elegant and highly functional to use.

Each artist will have their work displayed in the gallery as well as the exhibition featuring a collection of framed silk patterns.

Anne Hopkins from Beckford Silk said: "We are very much looking forward to the launch of our gallery and are delighted to be able to use it to display the work of local artisans.

"As a business, we have a huge amount of support within the local community and we look forward to extending that support to our featured artists.

"We also hope the exhibition will attract a new group of clients given the outstanding displays of local craftsmanship on offer."

If you are interested in attending the event, space is limited so please email: sales@beckfordsilk.co.uk 

For more information about Bedford Silk please visit: www.beckfordsilk.co.uk 

Picture Credit: Work of local artisan Toff Milway