A MAJOR exhibition showcasing the work of contemporary British artists is about to open at its only Yorkshire venue during a UK tour.

Featuring the rapidly developing area of textile arts, the display has been described by critics as challenging, provocative and surprising.

The 26 works going on show at the Mercer Art Gallery, Harrogate, seek to highlight the boundaries in the field that have been broken over the past 30 years.

The artists have challenged the perception of textiles by using wax, wire, plastic and glass alongside traditional cloth and fibre.

It also includes an innovative piece from Sally Marfill, who works with digital images on video, endeavouring to bridge the gap between the virtual and the real.

The exhibition also includes work by the Yorkshire artist Sue Lawty, who is involved in a schools project with Harrogate Grammar.

The exhibition, Working With Textiles, opens on Saturday and continues until Sunday, June 17.