TEXTILE expert, Forest-based Kathleen Matthews from Pillowell has been selected to be an Artist in Residence at the prestigious Nature In Art gallery in Twigworth, Gloucester, before an exhibition of her work goes on a national tour.

Kathleen, who for many years taught textiles and design at the Forest of Dean College, had a book about her craft, 'Stitched Textiles: Landscapes', published last year by Search Press.

The book is described as 'a practical and inspiring guide to producing textile landscapes using dyeing, layering and stitching techniques', and an exhibition of the photographs from the book well be at the Nature In Art Atrium gallery until February 9. Kathleen will be Artist in Residence alongside the exhibition for the final week it is there, from February 4 - 9. The photographic display will then go on a national tour, taking in Edinburgh, Exeter and Kent.

The Forest of Dean features prominently in her work, including images of Cannop Ponds and the bluebell woods, and she and her work have been featured recently in a four page feature in 'Patchwork And Quilting' magazine.