CUSTOMERS at a Swindon department store should pack their pencils and pads this weekend.

John Lewis at Home, at the Mannington Roundabout, is inviting art group the Urban Sketchers into the store on Saturday ahead of Swindon Open Studios later this month..

Art-loving customers will be able to join the sketching group as they tour the store and the retail park, drawing what they see.

Works by Swindon artists David Bent and Ken White, who designed the famous Virgin Atlantic Scarlet Lady emblem and is inspired by the town's railway history, will also be on display.

Daniel Thuysbaert, regional project lead for John Lewis, said: “Personally I’m excited to be involved in it. With David Bent’s aerospace influence, it’s great to have something in our branch for the centenary of the RAF. Ken White’s piece is harkening back to the past; what made Swindon what it is.”

Artists Donna Bradley and Cheryl Holland will be at the Mannington department store in the afternoon to show how they create their stunning artworks. Designer Donna has made a series of stylised prints of Swindon landmarks like the Magic Roundabout. Printmaker Cheryl will show off her drypoint etching technique.

John Lewis will also launch their community gallery, which will be filled with Swindon artists’ work in September. A percentage of profits from the sale will be donated to Swindon and Wiltshire Samaritans.

The Urban Sketchers will be at the store from 11am to 1pm on Saturday, September 1. Meet the artists, 2pm-4pm. Free entry.

Swindon Open Studios will be on the weekends of September 22-23 and 29-30. For more, visit: www.swindonopenstudios.org.