PAINTINGS of bygone Malvern by an eminent transport artist form part of a new range of coasters from a local company.

The artwork by Much Marcle's Eric Bottomley appears on a set of coasters, placemats and mousemats manufactured by The Coaster Company, based in Spring Lane South.

The products feature some of Eric's most famous paintings - originals of which sell for more than £2,000 - including racing steam trains and trams.

Also included are local scenes such as snowy Malvern Hills and one of Great Malvern railway station entitled Classic Travel, Malvern.

"Classic Travel Malvern I think encapsulates everything Malvern," said Eric. "You've got the old Morgan at the front, the Hills and the locomotion is called Madresfield Court.

"The picture is from an angle that most people don't identify with. You can see the old line that used to come in from Tewkesbury, which called through Upton and Ryall. There are bungalows there now."

Eric's works extends beyond transport and his catalogue includes depictions of a Victorian Ledbury market and the Malvern Hills.

But Eric's artistic staple is transport from the 1940s and 1950s. He does not expect today's planes, trains and automobiles to feature in similar paintings in another half century, though.

"We trade in nostalgia. It wouldn't be the same in 50 years because everything is so massively recorded today," he explains.

To promote the launch of the new line, coasters and mats will be on display in the window of Malvern's Tourist Information Centre, in Church Street, throughout April.

During the month, 20 per cent of the revenue from Classic Travel, Malvern mat sales at the centre will go to the Malvern Community Hospital League of Friends.

Eric will also be signing copies of his book The Transport Art of Eric Bottomley at the centre on Saturday, April 5, between noon and 1pm.

l Much Marcle artist Eric Bottomley and examples of the new range.