This year’s Marlborough Open Studios will be bigger than ever and to launch the annual art trail more than 70 artists will display their work at the Mount House Gallery.

The Summer Show is a first for the Open Studios event and will feature art on every wall in Marlborough College’s Mount House Gallery on Bath Road.

The exhibition opens today and runs until Thursday. It came about thanks to an invitation from Vincent Stokes, a former head of art at the college, who oversees the gallery programme.

He said: “I am very pleased that the Mount House is hosting this fresh and exciting showcase. It is an opportunity to sample work from all the artists taking part in advance of the Open Studio weekends.”

Art will be on sale at the Summer Show.

This year 15 new artists have joined the scheme, which will see 50 artists open their studio doors over the summer.

The scheme is now in its 19th year and gives visitors the chance to see artists in their working environment as well offering an opportunity to snap up pieces at discounted prices.

Many shops in Marlborough High Street will also feature artworks from a selection of artists.

Sue Lashmar, the scheme’s secretary and glass sculptor and jewellery maker, said: “Marlborough Open Studios is an exciting concept that supports local artists and provides days to treasure.

“The world would be a dull place without us.”

The scheme runs every weekend between June 28 and July 20. For information about artists and their locations visit www.marlboroughopenstudios.co.uk