Artist Nicky Thompson leads one of the most fascinating exhibitions ever to be staged in the town.

THE Arts Council has funded one of the most fascinating exhibitions ever to be staged in Honiton.

Artist Nicky Thompson’s Unearthed and Exposed, at The Thelma Hulbert Gallery, is entirely focused on all things local.

And Elmfield House, the listed building which houses the gallery, is at the heart of the most spectacular pieces on show.

Nicky, who lives on Dartmoor, has created stunning images of the building, using a very unusual technique.

She took photographs of Elmfield House and its environs last year, later burying the negatives in the building’s grounds.

Two weeks later, she dug them up and the end result is spectacular.

“The ‘eaten away’ pictures are on display and have attracted lots of praise from visitors,” said the gallery’s curator, Angela Blackwell.

Unearthed and Exposed is Nicky’s first solo exhibition, although her work has previously been exhibited at The Lighthouse Gallery in Brixham, Plymouth University and the Exeter Contemporary Open.

Last Wednesday, she was at The Thelma Hulbert Gallery leading a workshop for other artists.

She told The Midweek Herald that Unearthed and Exposed was a year in the making, with Arts Council funding being approved six months ago.

“I have had really positive feedback,” she said.

“People have been lovely about the work and said some interesting things. They like the fact that it has a connection to Honiton.”

Nicky has linked up with Allhallows Museum to make anthotype images of Honiton Lace. The method is an ancient form of photography and uses plant extracts and light.

She discovered flowers depicted in the lace grow locally and made dye from the crushed up plants to help create the images.

A free family workshop is being led by Nicky at the gallery on Wednesday, April 13, from 11am to 4pm. No need to reserve a place, just drop in.

Unearthed and Exposed runs until May 14.