THE MAGIC Roundabout has inspired plenty of creative responses over the years – not all of them suitable for print.

But it could be the first time the Swindon icon has been tackled by a designer, to be plastered over stickers, badges and keyrings.

Designer Dona Bradley was commissioned to draw the Magic Roundabout by the tourist information centre.

Art lovers can see her designs at Swindon’s central library on Saturday, as 50 artists display their work for the second weekend of Swindon Open Studios.

Dona, who only moved to Swindon with husband Mike in late 2013, said: “When I first came over to Swindon to view flats, t had to scream all the way across the Magic Roundabout. Luckily, my husband was driving.”

Inspired, the former Lloyds Bank designer, began drawing the Swindon roundabout.

She created a collection of wooden Christmas decorations last year boasting the design. Impressed, Swindon’s tourist information centre asked her what products slapped with her designs they could sell. The Magic Roundabout was one of those drawings.

Dona works using pencil and computer, drawing in pencil and pen then scanning them into her computer for her two spend hours colouring in the blanks.

She came to art late, retraining as an interior designer at the age of 40 and then getting more keen on drawing.

She said: ““I probably gave up drawing at school, because I was put under pressure by my parents to be more academic.

“I lose myself completely in it. I get really obsessed with the straight lines.”

Her architectural-style has seen her win a slew of commissions. Dona is currently working on an illustration of St Mark’s Church to mark a wedding anniversary and a couple’s new home.

Formerly of Bristol, Dona, 51, now lives in the town centre. She said of Swindon: “It’s a very friendly town. It makes an interesting comparison to Bristol, which has already developed itself. I think Swindon has the potential to do that.”

This year, around 50 artists will open their studio doors for the second weekend of Swindon Open Studios.

The cross-town art festival is intended to give people a taste of the paintings, pottery and sculpture that normally only remains behind closed doors.

Linda Kasmaty, one of the Swindon Open Studios co-organisers, said: “It’s going really wonderfully this year.”

She advised visitors to check the website, as not all artists would be opening their studios this weekend.

Dona Bradley is at Swindon Central Library on Saturday, September 16, 10am – 2pm. For more, visit: www.dona-b-drawings.co.uk.

For the full list of Swindon Open Studios artists, visit: www.swindonopen.org.uk.