The pandemic has shown us that a life with just the basics of food and healthcare isn’t enough – we are craving culture.

At a time when the whole of society is – quite rightly – aware of the contribution of health and social care staff, teachers, delivery drivers and supermarket staff, there hasn’t been a role in this crisis for those who work in the arts.

So thankfully, artists in and around Marlborough have been keeping themselves busy during lockdown to provide a burst of colour and creativity to lift us out of the vista of our own four walls.

The well-trodden Marlborough Open Studios is heaving out of the pandemic with an impressive 72 artists taking part across 48 studios in July.

Artists Arran Miles and Susan Kirkman exhibit together on the outskirts of the trail - near Ramsbury.

They have been showing their works for the last 20 years together.

They've already opened their doors - taking part in the West Berkshire art trail - in eager rehearsal for the art-loving traffic heading their way in July.

Susan Kirkman started professional life as a medical physicist and got into painting in her later years. "I probably like painting as it is like experimenting - with different styles and materials," she said. "After I left work I had in interest in plants, and started by attending a flower painting course for oldies! I was hooked on painting since then."

Lockdown has also presented its creative challenges.

"We have found that not working with other people - motivating myself when alone - is not easy. I kept getting distracted by gardening! It was only thinking that the Open Studios were here again that made me get things framed," said Arran.

"Working with other people stimulates you somehow," said Susan. "You do much more original work when there are other people around. They are stimulating," added Susan.

The Open Studios weekends are free and there’s no pressure to buy.