ARTISTS inspired by the Olympics have been displaying their work at a pub.

Customers at the George in Wanstead High Street have been taking a break from watching the Olympic action on the big screens to enjoy work by Art Group Wanstead.


The work which is all themed around the Games has been on display during the Olympics and will remain on show during the Paralympics.


Featuring sculpture, painting, charcoals, photographs and collage, the art has been getting plenty of admiration from the customers, and the artists themselves say they are delighted with the reaction to the work.


Andrew Wright, 49, who teaches at Ilford County High School, has a charcoal drawing of a pigeon and a snail in the exhibition.


He said: “The pigeon is a symbol for London and also represents climbing higher.


“The snail is slower and the patterns on its shell represent hurdles.


“I tried to get tickets to the Olympics, but like a lot of people I wasn’t successful.


“Initially that put me off, but I’ve been glued to it on the TV.”


Francesca Jaggs of Wellington Road Wanstead, has a collage piece in the show.


She said: “I’m not a very sporty person, but I do admire the values the Olympics represent.


“There have been a lot of sour grapes about it, but when you look at the regeneration it has brought to an area like Stratford, I think it’s wonderful.


“My piece is about friendship and togetherness.”


More Olympic-inspired work will be shown on the fences at the Wanstead Festival on August 12, and again at The George during Art Trail Wanstead, September 15-30.


Organiser Donna Mizzi said: “I think it’s fantastic of the George to put our work on display.


“I’m very proud of all the work in the show. It’s great to feel that we are part of the Olympics.”

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