AN artist inspired by a return to her native New Zealand has an exhibition on display at the Royston & District Museum. And much of the work has come from her studying of the Maori culture. During the launch of the exhibition artist Rachel Haynes said: I

AN artist inspired by a return to her native New Zealand has an exhibition on display at the Royston & District Museum.

And much of the work has come from her studying of the Maori culture.

During the launch of the exhibition artist Rachel Haynes said: "It amazing to see the artistic work of the Maori culture.

"I have attempted here to capture some of the impressions of their work."

The exhibition includes, too, pastel works which capture the dramatic landscapes and coastal scenery of New Zealand.

"A lot of the landscapes have been created from either doing a sketch or taking a photograph," she said.

Rachel's work as an artist was encouraged when she attended the London College of Fashion where she studied theatrical make-up and beauty therapy.

She returned to her love of painting after running a beauty business and went on to study art at Anglia Ruskin University, where she gained a degree in art history and fine art.

Rachel, who lives in Bassingbourn, is a member of the Royston Arts Society and she had a recent exhibition in Cambridge with the Cambridge Drawing Society, to which she is also a member.

Almost 10 years ago she had an exhibition at the Royston & District Museum which showed her work of portraits of animals.

- The exhibition, Images of New Zealand, will run until Sunday, August 19.

- The museum is open Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from10am-4.45pm and Sunday and bank holidays from 2.45pm.