Shropshire beauty spots on show around the world thanks to county artist

Artwork featuring a Shropshire beauty spot is being proudly displayed in homes around the world thanks to a printmaker who launched her online studio during the coronavirus lockdown.

Print artist Shelley Wingrove set up her studio, in Homer, Much Wenlock, during lockdown

Shelley Wingrove had always enjoyed art as a hobby but it wasn’t until spring last year that she set up The Little Black Mare Studio, followed by a website and to her surprise a social media following on Instagram.

Among the most popular pieces being snapped up are those showcasing Wenlock Edge near her home.

Orders have come from as far afield as New Zealand, United States and France.

“My artwork has always been heavily influenced by nature and the world around me, and living in such a beautiful location certainly helps.

"When we returned to live in Shropshire a couple of years ago, we set up a studio so I’d have a dedicated space to create art in, and I took a printmaking qualification as well as learning more from the fabulous Jenny Gunning from Ironbridge Fine Arts.

“Setting up the website and officially launching Little Black Mare during the first lockdown gave me a really positive focus at a time which was so difficult for all of us – and I have been amazed by the fantastic responses to my artwork.

Print artist Shelley Wingrove, of Homer, Much Wenlock, with mare Maisie

“My customers from all around the world send me pictures showing my artwork hanging up in their homes, which is incredible.

“Lots of the pieces celebrate Wenlock Edge and other gorgeous locations within Shropshire, as well as the wildlife found here, so it’s fantastic to think I have been able to bring a little of the county’s beauty to so many people,” Shelley, 62, explains.

The studio's name was inspired by her rescue pony Maisie, who lives with Shelley, her husband and their two lurchers.

She specialises in limited edition hand cut lino prints, collagraphs and etchings. Her work was recently featured on the Reeve & Godwit gift website.

Her prints start life as a sketch, then she painstakingly cuts the design into Japanese vinyl and creates the print on her Gunning press.

“I’ve always been so passionate about art and nature, and being able to combine the two and share my creations across Shropshire and beyond has been phenomenal,” the artist adds.

She took up print art as a challenge as she approached her 60th birthday and undertook a City & Guilds course.