A BRAND new collection of artwork, taking a modern twist on retro celebrity photographs, has been unveiled in a Cheltenham gallery this month.

The original artwork by British figurative artist Simon Claridge launched at Castle Fine Art on The Promenade last weekend.

Claridge, famous for using diamond dust, has established a reputation for depicting iconic female celebrities and models, and this latest collection also features male stars such as John Lennon and Elvis Presley.

His glamorous silkscreen prints are based on photographs he has collected from trawling through markets and sales around the country.

Other pieces on display in the exhibition will feature legendary 1950’s and 1960’s women including actress Elizabeth Taylor and long standing favourite, Marilyn Monroe. Claridge’s decision to use diamond dust highlights the glamour and opulence of the Hollywood and media icons, but also ensures that no two people view a piece in the same way.

The glittering sheen dictates that the source – whether that be direct sunlight, artificial lights or focused beams – causes the work to appear transformed each time.

Claridge said: “My goal is to leave the viewer with some tangible emotional feeling.

“Anything of standout beauty goes a long way; whether it’s a beautiful editorial image, a stunning scene in nature, or a shot in a movie which has been masterfully composed – beauty speaks deep to our hearts and this is what I want to recreate too.”

  • The exhibition runs until Sunday, August 16. For further information go to www.castlefineart.com.