SWINDON’S Magic Roundabout is not usually associated with beauty, but one Swindon artist has sought to change that by immortalising it in mosaic form.

Lynette Thomas, 43, of Old Town, was inspired to create the Mosaic Magic Roundabout – featuring mirrors, a witch and characters from the popular children’s TV show – after noting the impact the roundabout had on the town.

She said: “The Magic Roundabout seems to have become as iconic in Swindon as Brunel.

“I find that a bit strange so I created my Magic Roundabout mosaic in response.

“It’s meant to be a light-hearted look at the chaos surrounding it. I’ve added a snail and there’s a bit of road rage and confusion going on so the quirkiness and appeal is reflected.”

The mosaic took two weeks to complete and features popular characters from the 1970s show – Dougal the dog, Brian the snail (to symbolise the slow pace of the junction) and jack-in-the-box Zebedee. It will be on display in the Central Community Library until the end of March.

Even the Advertiser gets a shout-out, with a toy delivery van traversing the narrow lanes of the mosaic.

Lynette has been making mosaics since 1992 and acquires most of her materials from charity shops and her dad’s shed.

The artist aimed to bring a touch of real-life magic to the infamous junction, and although she does not drive she can appreciate the importance of the roundabout to the town.

“When people talk about Swindon, they mention the roundabout, everyone has a story to tell about it,” she said.

“I’m not really a fan of the Magic Roundabout myself but it provokes interest from other people.”

Although voted the seventh worst junction in the UK, Lynette knows the roundabout has its own mystique, and has added phrases such as “Witch Way” to symbolise the otherworldly powers the roundabout wields over unsuspecting motorists.

Her previous artworks include a mosaic rainforest-themed torso called Amazon, mosaic teapots at the Old Town Gardens cafe and a life-size mosaic lady who previously sat in Theatre Square.

Lynette will hold her next social-media themed exhibition in May alongside fellow Swindon artist Adam Crosland at the Number Nine gallery in Theatre Square.

Visit http://www.artkoremosaics.co.uk/