AN exhibition of a work inspired by the beautiful old stairwell of Wiveliscombe Town Hall goes on show from Saturday (September 6) as the 10Parishes Festival opens.

The work ‘Sanctuary’ by Jan Boddington will be on the first floor of the town hall until September 14 with viewing on the 6th, 7th, 9th, 11th, 13th, and 14th from 10.30 am daily and is suitable for all ages but is not wheelchair accessible.

The installation combines pressed and dried flowers, seed heads and pods, foraged elements and other natural materials to express the artist’s vision of sanctuary.

Designed to soothe and calm, it sets out to offer the viewer a few moments of refuge in an increasingly turbulent world.

Through this work, the artist highlights the deep human connection to nature - the healing power to be found there, the need to grow things, and the responsibility to respect and protect the natural environments people are privileged to inhabit.

Ms Boddington, who runs Blue Shed Flowers growing flowers using organic and sustainable methods in Bathealton, said: “Reflecting on the role of gardening and growing, I realise it is where I find sanctuary, a place of refuge and also joy.

“For millions of people, sanctuary is not a given.

“Many have no safe place to call their own.

“With this piece, I hope to draw attention to that reality and inspire compassion toward those who may never have the security we often take for granted.”

Ms Boddington is a trained artist and teacher and also offers floristry workshops.

The old town hall, located in The Square between Wiveliscombe Community Library and the Co-op store, aims to become Somerset's most culturally vital venue.

A spokesperson said: “While the fund-raising campaign marches on, the trust are delighted to be able to offer up a few theatrical gems for the community.”