ELMSLIE Houser in Malvern will be the venue for an exhibition entitled The Art of the Fifties, which opens on Saturday, May 26.

The fifties are often associated with drabness and austerity but this exhibition celebrates the colourful art and vibrant designs produced as Britain made the transition from war to peace.

The collection has been brought together by Dr Richard Turkington, FRSA, and includes over 50 fabrics, paintings, prints and posters from Britain, Europe and the United States.

It includes well-known artists such as John Bratby and John Piper and the less well known - especially women artists - who have received little recognition.

The exhibition is free and will to Sunday, June 3. Dr Turkington will be on hand throughout the week to share his passion for fifties art.

He said: “British artists played an important role in building a post-war Britain, promoting the principles of ‘art for all’ and ‘good design’ in the home."