AN ARTIST has been inspired by her decaying former school to create a series of works for an upcoming exhibition.

Caroline Hamilton, from Richmond, who has serious problems with her back which means she is unable to walk very far and suffers from constant pain, uses art as her therapy and is currently studying for an MA in creative practice at Harrogate School of Art.

She is using the former Richmond Lower School as the subject of part of her course and for an exhibition at Richmond’s Georgian Theatre Royal in July.

Mrs Hamilton, 43, said: “I have always been interested in the sentiment in objects and the memories that are attached to them.

“I used bits of charred wood and transferred photograph images onto them, as a reflection of the past and the feelings attached to the building.

“I call the exhibition Art L8 – because that was the name of the art room when I was at the school, and because I turned to art later in life.”

Mrs Hamilton said she was able to visit the disused school in 2011 with former classmates and took photographs, and she has continued to document the degeneration of the building over the years.

She said: “I’ve compared the level of decay and the way nature has taken over.

“I have used come colour and varnish over the pictures, and burnt the wood to give a rustic look.

“I have created around 15 different pieces, with images focusing on different areas of the building.”

Mrs Hamilton has had two major back operations to correct a 90 degree curve in her spine to save the use of her legs – but despite this she suffers from back pain and is unable to walk far.

With the exhibition Mrs Hamilton hopes to raise cash for local organisations – Richmond Meet, Richmond Duck Club, and Richmond Operatic Society.

The exhibition will be held at Richmond’s Georgian Theatre Royal throughout July. She will also be exhibiting work at Spot on the Wall exhibition at Richmond Station during July and August.