A NEW exhibition by a local artist opened in the Millennium Gallery at Nantwich Museum this week.

Along the Cut features canal linocuts and other works by Eric Gaskell and will run at the venue until June 25.

Although the exhibition is principally about linocuts along the canals there are also drawings and paintings.

These include pen and ink and conte drawings showing the 'workings' of the linocuts.

Examples of the actual linocuts are displayed together with the drawing books showing their development.

Of particular interest locally are scenes from the Shropshire Union Canal including some around Chester, Bunbury Locks and Audlem Mill.

Eric Gaskell is a professional artist who has studied in New York and Istambul and is a winner of the Sunderland Prize for Fine Art.

He said: "I have been painting, drawing, printing and exhibiting since 1980 and am a great believer that good draftsmanship is the prerequisite of good art and I always have a drawing book in use, drawing from life and experience.

“Generally the ‘life’ helps to realise form and structure, while the ‘experience’ lets me move ideas forward."

Eric's book Canal Linocuts is also available from the Museum and features 35 linocuts made in and around the English and Welsh canals.

For more information visit www.nantwichmuseum.org.uk.