Council-run gallery stages popular exhibition.

A PUBLIC art gallery in Honiton has caused a sensation - by staging one of its most lauded exhibitions to date.

Visitors to the East Devon District Council-run Thelma Hulbert Gallery are heaping praise on Inspirational Objects - Nature as Designer.

Beautiful, inspirational, thought-provoking and fun are just some of the words being used to describe the exhibition in the gallery’s visitor book.

The Midweek Herald has received letters and telephone calls from impressed visitors.

The exhibition features work from two artists - Alison Milner, a graduate of the Royal College of Art, and celebrated photographer Steve Speller.

Sharon Pavey, of Honiton, visited the gallery for the first time last week and told the Herald she found the experience “delightful”.

Former three times mayor of Honiton Joanna Bull said the exhibition is the “best yet”.

The exhibition follows the publication, in 2005, of Ms Milner’s book, Inspirational Objects, a visual dictionary of simple elegant forms.

The concept of the exhibition is to make subtle connections between the natural and the man-made and between 3D objects and the 2D portrayal of objects. The exhibition is designed to work at different levels:

As a source of inspiration for artists, designers and students.

As a tool for early years design education.

As a commentary on categorisation and representation.

As a collection of curiosities.

Purely visually/aesthetically

The exhibitions runs until November 6. On the last day, the artists will be at the gallery from 11am to 4pm.

In the meantime, visitors can enjoy the interactive part of the exhibition by creating their own inspirational work using objects in boxes.

On Wednesday, October 27, the gallery will host a workshop as part of the Big Draw, from 11am to 4pm.

There is no need to book, but children must be accompanied by an adult.