A SCULPTOR will open the doors to his working studio after securing a bursary.

Ed Elliott has been awarded the Young Artist Bursary in association with h.Art – Herefordshire’s open studio event which runs from Saturday to Sunday, September 8-16 – and some of his innovative work even features on the front page of the event’s programme.

The 26-year-old is granting people behind the scenes access at his Trumpet Corner base in Hereford Road, near Ledbury.

More of the former Chase School pupil’s recent ideas will be on show at the Courtyard in Hereford and in the grounds of the Old Rectory in Stoke Lacey.

Mr Elliott said: “The angel series, considering the idea of a winged human, explores the physicality of flight as well as a sense of empathy with the idea of an immortal burden.

“I think these sculptures have immediate presence because of the familiar subject matter.

“Having my most recent angel sculpture selected for the front cover of the h.Art guide this year is a huge honour.

“I hope it serves its purpose to inspire people to support h.Art.

“This is the first year I have been involved in h.Art and it’s amazing to play a part in this celebrated event. Working figuratively is a very direct way to communicate with the public.

“I think everyone regardless of nationality or background can relate to the human form.

“I have devoted the last three years to working in wood, which reflects my love for this rural area.

“But I am now combining traditional methods with more contemporary techniques.

“I’m super excited about working with other materials, developing in other directions.”

He won national acclaim with his National Trust commission, in which he created a powerful wooden angel figure with a 14- foot wingspan, exhibited at Mottisfont in Hampshire.

The studios will also be displaying the work of eight other local artists, featuring paintings, drawings, forged glass and mosaics.