A ULEY art centre has gained a new resident artist, whose first exhibition will feature work inspired by the village’s now famed gorilla, John Daniel.

Hannah Dyson started exhibiting at Prema Art Centre on Tuesday, February 28, the display is on show in the Vestry Café until Sunday, April 9.

After moving to Stroud seven years ago Hannah fell in love with the Cotswold valleys, she said: “The landscape here feels exotic and it’s easy to imagine an ‘other’ world still hiding in its hollows.

“Sometimes these elementals can be found in my drawings.”

Hannah Dyson studied illustration at Brighton University and the Royal College of Art and since her studies she has worked as a freelance illustrator working with clients including The Idler, The Guardian, The Independent on Sunday and more recently Bespoked - a Stroud based bicycle company.

When visiting Prema last year Hannah was deeply touched by the story of John Daniel who has inspired six of her new illustrations.

She uses ink, brushes and Rotring pens to draw the elements and textures, then assembles, cuts and colours to create the final art piece.

Her artwork is also inspired by artists such as Maurice Sendak, Edward Gorey, Richard Scarry and Tove Jansson and animal illustrations and botanical drawings of the Victorians.

Hannah will be one of Prema’s artists in residence for the next 18 months, hosting classes and workshops and looking to broaden and develop her own style.