A NEW free art exhibition is taking place at a National Trust property in Wiltshire this month.

Avebury Manor and Garden, near Marlborough, will be presenting a display called the Sentinels of Stone over the next few weeks.

This display will showcase a collection of 36 acrylic paintings by the north-east based artist Tony Galuidi in the Avebury Barn.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Sentinels of Stone exhibitionSentinels of Stone exhibition (Image: Tony Galuidi)

The free exhibition features familiar sights to Avebury regulars including the Cove, the Barber-Surgeon stone, and the Swindon stone. 

Each stone appears as an individual character, painted against dramatic skies in a landscape free from people. 

Exhibited amongst the Avebury stones are several other ancient and equally mysterious local monuments including Stonehenge, the Devil’s Den at Clatford, and Silbury Hill. 

Tony explained more about why he chose Avebury as the subject for many of his paintings.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Tony GaluidiTony Galuidi (Image: Diane Cain)

He said: "Avebury casts a deep and subtle spell.

"It fulfils our yearning for the sublime, the ache of history, and the longing for a more mysterious, less mundane existence. 

"We don’t have all the answers and maybe that’s a good thing. 

"What these sites have in common is that they illicit a vague but palpable sense of mystery."

He added: ‘Most people who are drawn to standing stones and stone circles regard Avebury as the mecca of prehistoric sites, and I was delighted to have been offered the opportunity to create this exhibition.

"Every stone has its own character and mood and I hope my paintings have captured something of the essence and mystery of this wonderful place."

The exhibition is on now and runs until Sunday, June 11 between 10am – 5pm. 

More information can be found at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/avebury