Artwork by Worcester business proves big hit at Wimbledon

Fancy Features, a bespoke artwork business, were commissioned by Robinsons — sponsors of the championships for the last 79 years — to produce artwork to display in their suite at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.

Company co-director Maria Leyden, said she was "thrilled" to be commissioned to create the artwork, which featured ten canvasses, six of which could be coloured in by visitors to the suite.

"Getting the call from Robinsons was one of those moments when you have to double check you've heard them right, I just couldn't believe it. We've done some big projects in the past but this was definitely one of the biggest," said Miss Leyden, who runs the company with Chris Mason.

"Four of the canvasses — which featured various tennis players and other designs that represented Robinsons' history with Wimbledon — were there for display. But the other canvasses could be coloured in and we had Andy Murray's mother, Judy, colour in a picture of her son, and Tim Henman also tried his hand at colouring.

"Peter Andre and his girlfriend Emily MacDonagh also had a go. They were all really lovely people."

Miss Leyden set up the business — which has its main studio at The Fold in Bransford — in 2011.

"Robinsons found out about us via one of our social media sites, Pinterest, where they saw some art from a Fred Perry project we did. It has been a really good year for us.

"The artwork for them was a challenge to develop but it was very interesting to find out about their history with the game.

"We were at Wimbledon for several days and the suite overlooked some of the outdoor courts, so we did see some matches. It was just nice to be there and soak up the atmosphere and buzz from everyone else.

"We do have some exciting things coming up. We're doing artwork for weddings around the UK and various countries, including Brazil, and have been commissioned to create a giant bear sculpture that can be coloured in for a wedding in London."