TWO women who came into art much later in life have brought colour to Winchester’s grey High Street.

While some businesses across the district have been adversely affected by the grey weather their new pop-up art gallery has proved quite a success.

Diane Rush and Caroline Hall, who both completed their masters in fine art in recent years, decided to take on a six week lease at an empty shop just moments from the Buttercross and have already seen a lot of interest in their works.

“When I first met Caroline I was struck by how much initiative she had,” Diane said. “I knew I wanted to work with someone who had such qualities and when the opportunity came up to take the lease here I knew then she was the right person to take on the project with.”

Caroline, who worked in media for over fifteen years before studying for her degree and masters at Winchester School of Art, said: “Winchester is packed full of artists needing space to showcase their work. This was an extraordinary opportunity with a great location right in front of the Buttercross.

“Even though I have the gallery at Little Minster, there’s nothing you can compare when you’ve got this kind of footfall. I’ve probably had more interest here in the space of the week than I’ve had for a year at the other gallery.

Diane, 69, said the gallery, which is open until March 7, has caused a bit of a stir amongst the art lovers in the city as Caroline does most of her painting in the large front window which brings in the crowds. Caroline said: “It’s unusual because artists don’t like to be watched. Most artists I’ve experienced tend to work in solitude but instead I’m right in the window, in my overalls and it draws people right off the street.”