THE human body is a work of art — and Dr Aruna Mene should know.

For the consultant histopathologist is also an artist who sees beauty in the human tissue she studies under the microscope.

Now she is making a name for herself in the art world and her work is set to be featured in her first solo exhibition.

Dr Mene, who works at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, already has a number of colourful fabric collages from her “Beauty under the Microscope” collection on display at Royal Blackburn Hospital.

One, depicting a cold virus infection of the nasal mucosa was used for the cover of The Royal College of Pathologists Journal.

Renowned cardiac pathologist Dr Mary Sheppard, an expert in the effect of cardiac diseases on the body’s tissue, commissioned Dr Mene’s work to adorn the walls of the Royal Brompton Hospital in London, to coincide with the launch of Dr Sheppard’s book on cardiac pathology.

Dr Mene said: “I create lots of different types of images, but of course the work on pathology images has been particularly popular among my NHS colleagues!”

Histopathology is the study of disease by examining cells and tissue samples.

She said: “I have always loved painting, and also enjoyed working with fabrics. Now that my two children, Ranjit and Aditi, have left home, I have much more time to devote to art, and I began combining my two passions, histopathology and fabrics, to create collages.

“Word has spread quickly and now people from all over the country send me bags of scraps from their tailoring businesses — I’ve also used quite a few of my husband’s 1980s psychedelic-patterned ties.”

Husband Ravi also works as a doctor in Stretford.

“I have not had to choose between art and science and it feels wonderful to see my work exhibited or featured on the cover.”

Dr Mene also produces greetings cards. Last year she raised more than £1,000 which supported a range of charities in India, “All my pieces are colourful and vibrant and meant to be uplifting,” she said.

The solo exhibition will take place next spring at Samlesbury Hall.