TWO local artists will be finding new inspiration for their work when they take up residence in Hidcote Manor Garden near Chipping Campden.

Painter Karen Bowers and sculptor Ali Grant have been appointed as artists in residence at the National Trust property for the year.

The pair will be looking at the famous gardens and the work the National Trust does to maintain it and will be displaying their work created towards the end of the year.

Mike Beeston, General Manager for the National Trust welcomed the two artists.

“Hidcote is regarded by many as a work of art but it also contains many pieces of art work, used to decorate the garden rooms which Lawrence Johnston created here," he said.

"We are looking forward to seeing the work created by Karen and Ali during their time here and their individual responses to the garden and perhaps seeing the property in a new light.”

Hidcote Manor Garden is inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement and was started in 1907 by Major Lawrence Johnston who devoted 30 years to creating the garden, including travelling the world to bring back unusual plant and flora specimens.