STREET art has taken on a whole new meaning this month in Great Bedwyn, where dozens of homes and businesses have turned their windows into gallery space for Bedwyn Open Windows.

The project, created in just two months, is the brainchild of Lizzie Grashion Hewitt, whose mum, Bedwyn artist Ros Hewitt, is usually a regular at the Marlborough Open Studios event.

When that was cancelled because of Covid-19, Lizzie wanted to give her mum and other local artists a way to showcase their talents.

“Open Studios wasn’t on, because most studios are too small for social distancing,” she said. So I started asking people I know in Bedwyn if they would let us use the windows of their homes. As more and more artists got involved, I asked businesses - and when the garage came on board, and I realised we could use their lovely huge windows to display large artworks like sculpture, it really took off.

“Then I went round the village and pushed invitations through the doors of every house where I could see a window with a pavement or place it would be safe for people to look from. I’ve been so amazed and impressed by how people have got involved.

“Then we didn’t know if anyone would come, but it’s been great. Several of the artists have already sold works - that wasn’t really the aim, but it is fantastic for them, because of course Covid has hit their income just like everyone else.”

"I have been touched by Lizzie and moved by her motive for the scheme, and the generosity of the community in Bedwyn coming together offering their windows for the artists and making the beautiful bunting that binds it all together. After the disappointment of so many events being cancelled I really appreciated the chance for my work to still get out there and be seen,” said ceramic artist Jacqui Melhuish.

"A lot of artists rely on Open Studios as a crucial part of their working year, so without it, we in Bedwyn were at a loss. Lizzie came to our rescue with her energy and enthusiasm, creating Bedwyn Open Windows and so now the village is alive with creativity and curiosity.

" I am having to get used to people peering into my windows, but it is for all the right reasons," said photographer Hilary Stock, who lives in Bedwyn.

"It is a chance to show my “Savernake” and “Westwoods” work to those touring Bedwyn, map in hand. BOW works for the artists, who have been selling, and for the viewers, who can have a look without Covid compromise. A lot of people have been decorating their houses in lockdown, and now want to put up pictures. Here is a chance to buy in a safe and easy way.”

"This is a fantastic initiative for our community and enables local people to get out and about and appreciate local artists, without having to be concerned about social distancing. It's been lovely chatting to villagers about my work," said textile artist Jane Wiejak.

Work by 22 artists, either from the local area or whose art features it, is on display and the village is en fete, decorated with blue bunting along the trail. Artist Trail maps and kids activity sheets are available at Great Bedwyn Post Office and Wendy’s Community Cafe or can be printed from www.bedwynopenwindows.weebly.com

The art will stay in place until September 30, and there is already talk about running the event again in 2021.