AN ARTIST who picked up her brushes after a 30-year break because she was forced to shield during the first lockdown has been given national exposure by a major company.

Bev Davies lives in Ellesmere, was raised and educated in Chester and completed an art degree in Wolverhampton before taking a working with her husband in a glass blowing business and raising their two boys.

But after being forced to stay indoors because she was receiving immunosuppressive treatment, she entered an art competition at Qube, in Oswestry, which reflected her current isolation.

And she was given backing by Claire Davies, from Oswestry Framing in Leg Street, to send off her work to nationally-renowned Collier & Dobson, who immediately published her.

Claire says the success is rare for an artist so new on the scene and admitted she was delighted for Bev.

She said: "For them to say yes to her, it's a huge accomplishment.

"Loads of artists ask publishers and they're often ignored so for them to say yes immediately and publish her straight away is amazing.

"They published five straight and then another five after – we're so proud of her.

"Bev started painting during lockdown as she was forced to shield as she was on immune suppressants.

"After entering the exhibition at the Qube gallery, I suggested as the quality of her work was so good she should contact one of our publishers Collier & Dobson just to see if they would publish her and they did.

"Bev always is happy to pop into the shop and personally dedicated the pictures to our customers which is a really nice unique touch – just arrange a time through us at the shop."

Bev thanked Claire for her help in making the step and feels like she has inadvertently found a new future for herself.

She said: "Claire gave me such amazing encouragement about my work and suggested I send it off.

"I feel like I have turned a negative into a positive and hopefully the future will continue to unfold, allowing me to continue developing as a professional artist in my own right."

For more about Bev’s work, head to www.bevdaviesart.co.uk or about Oswestry Framing, head to www.oswestryframing.co.uk