SWINDON Open Studios returns this weekend, with almost 50 venues showing-off original work by artists across the town.

It ranges from everything from ceramic sculptures to plus-size paintings of male bottoms. Old Town-based mega artist Ken White, who designed the Virgin Atlantic girl logo, will be among the artists displaying their work today.

This week, customers at John Lewis at Home have already been able to catch a glimpse of Swindon Open Studios artists’ work. The Mannington Retail Park store hosted a preview exhibition, which will run through the next two open studios weekends.

Speaking after the preview exhibition, Swindon Open Studios committee member Caroline Day said: “We are looking forward to seeing the result of many months’ work rebranding and advertising Swindon’s wonderful artists’ open studios."

“We hope our preview shows in businesses such as John Lewis and the Brunel Centre will lead people towards some fantastic studio spaces, where visitors will be able to meet the makers and see where the magic happens.”

Swindon Open Studios runs this weekend and September 29-30. For a full list of artists and venues, pick up a free programme from Swindon Central Library or visit: www.swindonopenstudios.org.

Six of the best

We’ve picked out some of our favourite artists taking part in Swindon Open Studios this year…

Ken White

Swindon-born Ken designed the girl logo that adorned Virgin Atlantic’s planes and for many years was Virgin boss Richard Branson’s personal artist. His paintings feature Wiltshire landscapes and scenes from Swindon’s railway past.

20, The Mall

Urban Sketchers, Swindon

Like drawing? Urban Sketchers could be for you. Boasting 90 members, this Swindon group tours the town every month drawing buildings and people. They’ll be hosting a pop-up session on Saturday, September 22 and 29 at Swindon Central Library.

Gavin Salisbury

Imagine a doll’s arm emerging from a tiny double bed. Those visiting the Richard Jefferies Museum this weekend won’t need to imagine. The north Wiltshire artist specialises in creating miniature sculptures using models and toys.

Richard Jefferies Museum, Marlborough Road

Jacquie Primrose

Haydon End artist Jacquie says her glass mosaics are inspired by nature and designed to be installed in the garden. Hopefully high-winds won’t smash her garden exhibition plans.

1 Guernsey Farmhouse, Guernsey Lane

Keith Panting

Want to pick-up a memento from Swindon Open Studios? You could buy a painting – or you could buy something that you can use to pour milk onto your cornflakes every single morning. Highworth potter Keith makes mugs, wine beakers and jugs in stoneware. Head to his studio and watch him at work.

15 Eastrop, Highworth

Mia Willis

This is fine art with a difference. The 18+ warning gives a flavour of the content. In the Swindon Open Studios programme, Mia says: “The male nude has always been apparent in art history and has undergone several changes in the way it is approached by artists and society. I show the ‘naked’ male in fun, true studies.”

62 Marney Road, Grange Park