some of whom have not shown in the town for a while, will be in the Silk Top Hat Gallery's new exhibition opening on Saturday.

With more than two dozen artists taking part, there will be water colours, embroideries, patchwork clothing, pastels, pots, jewellery, furniture, etchings and rag rugs.

When Alex Egan exhibited for the first time last year, all her paintings found buyers. She is mixing charcoal, pastel and water colour to show the variety and movement of birds and animals.

Alison Dupernex's patchwork hats, tassel scarves and slippers in jazzy zigzag colours have won her many friends in previous years. She has found a new source of silk from Italy, which she is working into scarves and stoles.

Shan Egerton is showing for the first time with pastels inspired by a recent stay in India. Abandoned shoes, large blackened pots, strange shaped spoons and vivid spices have provided much of her subject matter.

The landmarks of Ludlow seen through a multiple viewpoint feature strongly in Don Smith's prints. He uses an original drypoint technique, which he will explain to visitors on December 6.

The objects and relics in museums and collections fascinate Duncan White. He describes his work as "art in boxes" and is intrigued by the way an object is presented affects the way people see it.

All these and more promise to capture the imagination and give some ideas for original Christmas gifts.