A GROUP of artists from Swindon have created their very own wonderland worthy of Alice herself as they pay tribute to Lewis Caroll’s most famous creation.

In the year that readers across the world celebrate 150 years since Alice first stepped into Wonderland in Caroll’s novel and sequel Through the Looking Glass, a very special exhibition of work inspired by the novels has been put on display.

Co-ordinated by mosaic artist Lynette Thomas a group of 14 artists from across the town and beyond in Bath and Cheltenham have put together an impressive collection of Alice in Wonderland inspired artwork which is currently filling the Enchanted Tearoom in Cheltenham.

Among the works being displayed are pieces by Val Gibbons, Sue Bardwell, Mark Steel, Tracey Baker Stewart, Carol Burns, Carole Humphries, Bea Menier, Billy Beaumont, Bee Operanto, Jane Lee Horton, Maria Holohan, Vikki Yeates, Will Elmore and Lynette herself.

Having been brought up on the books, Lynette said she was keen to mark the 150th anniversary of the publication of Alice in Wonderland, and so called on artists in the town to join her in paying tribute.

She said: “Originally we were going to have an Alice themed exhibition at Vudu cafe in Swindon but over the summer it has changed from a cafe to wine bar and didn't really fit with the theme so well so we went looking for alternative venues.

“I was having a day out in Cheltenham and stumbled upon the Enchanted Tearoom which happened by chance to be Alice in Wonderland themed. After chatting to the owner they offered to let us have the exhibition there.

“We set up a Facebook group so people could post up work in progress and had a great response with all different styles and mediums including street art, puppetry, mosaic, collage and painting. 14 people are taking part - the majority from Swindon but also from Bath and Cheltenham.

The exhibition will be on display until the end of November at the Enchanted Tearoom which can be found at 89 The High Street in Cheltenham. It is open from Friday until Tuesday.

But this won’t be the last opportunity to mark Alice’s 150th birthday this year as there will be an Alice family day held at The Post Modern in Theatre square on Saturday, December 12 which will see a collaboration between The Wrong Shoes Theatre company and Artsite to mark the occasion.