A Royston artist will be displaying her paintings at an exhibition in Melbourn next month.

Vivienne Machell will be showcasing her work at the Melbourn Community Hub – new paintings include poppies set against the green-blue unripe wheat fields and her two canine companions, Henry and Dottie.

Vivienne has also been busy transforming ancient family photos from the early 20th century into nostalgic and poignant images, focusing on the elegant clothes and way of life that’s so completely different to now.

She has loved art ever since she was a small girl, drawing and painting her way through her childhood and education - and went to art college in Portsmouth aged 17, where she studied fashion and textiles. Ever since her retirement seven years ago, Vivienne has been painting on a full-time basis.

When asked about her favourite works, Vivienne told the Crow about the two she holds most dear.

She said: “‘Irises on the Heath was painted after a graceful dog walk at Therfield Heath where I spotted the colourful flowers.”

She added the heath has never been able to recreate the natural beauty she witnessed on that dog walk “making that day all the more unique”.

A painting of her late father is the second work she cites as being one of her favourites – a piece so meaningful to her that she never sold it due to its personal value.

This will be Vivienne’s second solo exhibition - her first was at the Royston & District Museum and Art Gallery in 2016. She mainly exhibits with the Cambridge Drawing Society and the Royston Arts Society and is an occasional exhibitor at Royston’s Curwens Gallery.

The new exhibition takes place from September 3 to 29 at the hub in High Street – from 9am to 5pm each day.

Since last summer, the venue has given local artists the opportunity to show their work in the large well-lit cafe, so visitors can enjoy the exhibitions while having a coffee or a meal.

There will be an opportunity to meet the artist on Saturday, September 8, from 11.30am until 2.00pm. Vivienne will be working on a painting and will be very happy to discuss her techniques.

For more on Vivienne’s work, by search ‘Vivienne Machell’ at www.roystonarts.org.uk. For more on Melbourn Community Hub go to melbournhub.co.uk.