A NEW textile gallery displaying the work of local artists is to be unveiled at Clitheroe's Bowdon Books.

Owners Gordon and Gillian Hill have specialised in secondhand books on the textile arts since 1986, but it was Gillian's work as a feltmaker and textile artist which inspired them to create the gallery at their premises in Lowergate, Clitheroe, which they took over five years ago.

The couple's interest in textiles began 15 years ago when they began issuing catalogues on the subject until opening their first shop in Oswaldtwistle in 1989.

When they moved to Lowergate, they were able to devote a room to their specialist books on textile arts and associated subjects.

But said Gillian: "Because of the changes in the pattern of book buying, due partly to the influence of the internet and partly from different emphasises in some college courses, we decided to create a small textile gallery alongside a slightly reduced stock of books on the textile arts."

She added: "We hope to give the opportunity for textile artists who have just launched their careers, or whose work is not regularly exhibited elsewhere, the chance to display their pieces, with an emphasis on local talent."

Some of the first people to exhibit at the gallery include Di Harling of Mellor, whose innovative work combines textile techniques with modern materials; Lynn Craig of Accrington, who is strongly influenced by colour and light as seen in her recent work inspired by Tiffany glass, and Pauline Parker, of Ingol, who uses recycled materials in her machine embroidery.

There will also be jewellery by Dorothy Waring of Darwen, which combines weaving with beadwork, hand-felted sculpture and wearable art by Gillian Hill herself, as well as pieces by Chris Jackson of Accrington.

It opens on Tuesday December 4 Opening hours are Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, from 10am to 5pm.