VISITORS to a Hampshire gallery will have the unique opportunity to see a new piece of art taking shape before their eyes.

Textile artist Alice Kettle (pictured) will be working in Winchester Guildhall Gallery for the next six months until her 16m long by 3m high commission is complete.

Hampshire County Council has commissioned her for the work to hang in the revamped library in Jewry Street.

Winchester Mayor Sue Nelmes, who opened the exhibition, said: "I'm absolutely thrilled that we've got Alice here with all her work so we can watch as it comes into being. I'm delighted that we'll be provided with something for posterity for the city, and as her ward councillor I'm even more proud."

Eloise Appleby, head of cultural services at the city council, said: "The sheer size of the work is the reason she's burst out of her studio in Hyde and into the gallery, and we're very glad to have her here.

Whilst Alice may not always be present in person, she has offered to be available each Tuesday at 11am for a short, free, informal talk about her work, and gallery staff will also be on hand to answer questions about the artwork. Special interest groups may also be able to book a short private talk on Tuesday afternoons. Contact gallery staff for availability.