THE traditional Japanese art of Mitate comes to Malvern this weekend as an exhibition opens at the Lyttelton House Gallery.

Nana Shiomi's work is part of her series called One Hundred Views of Mitate which the former Tama Art University (Tokyo) and Royal College of Art student hopes to complete in 2007.

It forms part of the Autumn in Malvern Festival and Japan 2001.

Mitate has been a fundamental concept in all Japanese art from the earliest time and involves a substitution of the intended subject by something simpler and vaguer.

The austere stones and raked sand of the Japanese garden, for example, are specifically designed to suggest a range of meaning, from islands in the sea to tigers crossing a stream.

"It's a very traditional Japanese interpretation of nature and simplifies it, leaving the rest to the imagination," explained the Abbey Road gallery's Margaret Edgar.

"It's the first time I've shown Mitate but I think Nana's work is lovely and I am sure it will be appreciated by the people of Malvern, who are very artistic."

The exhibition of wood block prints runs from tomorrow (Saturday) until November 3 and is open from 10am to 4pm.

Highlights of the Autumn in Malvern Festival this weekend include an exploration of portrait painting by renowned writer, broadcaster and historian Sir Roy Strong and a Malvern College concert by what is recognised as one of the country's finest quartets, the Sorrel String Quartet.

Sir Roy speaks on 'The Portrait and The English Garden' at Malvern Theatres tomorrow morning at 11am. He will explore three centuries of portrait painting from the Tudors to the Georgians in search of glimpses of some of the most famous gardens ever created.

On Sunday, again at 11am, John Stuart Roberts will talk on Siegfried Sassoon 'An English Journey' at The Foley Arms Hotel.

Later in the day, at Malvern College at 3pm, The Sorrel String Quartet will be accompanied by David Owen Norris on piano for a performance of Elgar's work.

Mr Norris will introduce a programme including String Quartet in E minor, Opus 83 and Improvisation for Piano.

Further information on the Autumn in Malvern Festival is available from Malvern Theatres box office on 01684 892277.