Archive - Monday, 23 February 2004


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Greetings from lovely Swindon

Ref. 29187-55A range of old fashioned-looking greeting cards depicting various Swindon scenes is on sale across the town.

Photographer Anna Stowe, 52, of Liden, captured settings including Coate Water, Lawn Lake and Holy Rood Church yard, and transposed them onto cards.

There are 20 different cards available, which cost between £1.50 and £1.80, and are available from newsagents and post offices across Swindon.

They are also on sale at Swindon Central library in the town centre.

Ms Stowe, a former counsellor, said: "People don't associate Swindon with picturesque scenes. It's thought of as a bit of a dump.

"So it's nice to show parts of the town in a different light. There is some lovely countryside around with beautiful scenery.

"Our trademark is using sepia prints which I think gives a lovely olde-worlde effect.

"I took up photography in 1988 and the hobby grew into a profession. I wanted to do something a bit happier than counselling and really enjoy doing this."

Ms Stowe explained how some of the cards, which are printed by Surrey-based Positive Images, incorporate two or three different images.

She said: "On one of the cards I put the image of the jubilee clock alongside the railway museum and Christ Church to create a Swindon old and new idea.

"Others look better just on their own."

Ms Stowe's business partner, Gareth William, 45, said: "So far we have printed about 250 of each design, but once it gets off the ground we are hoping to sell this many a month.

"We also make bespoke cards for hotels and pubs, and are hoping to work with schools which could sell the cards on as a fundraising tool."

Large prints, measuring 50cm by 40cm, are also available and cost £25.

For more information call 01793 337837.

Alex Emery