Leamington’s Ellie is hot property

According to McGee, in York, has chosen Ellie Osbourne as one of the “23 hottest artists of the year” who will feature in its New Visuality exhibition.

And Greg McGee, the gallery’s co-director, says Ellie is a credit to her home town.

He said: “We have artists from all over the country who are all set to showcase their work here.

“But this is a message to Leamington’s art scene - our flagship artist, our number one single, our barnstormer is Leamington’s own Ellie Osborne. “You’ve a lot to be proud of with that young woman in your ranks.”

The gallery’s directors first noticed Ellie’s work when it was displayed at New Designers in Islington.

Her ceramic sculptures of bears are concerned with cruelty to animals.

Co-director Ails McGee said: “They’re so well made, so confident, with such an instinct for showmanship and branding - there’s only one image we’re using for fliers, posters and invites, and that’s of one of Ellie’s bears.

Greg added: “They’re well made things of beauty.

“The fact that they’re also provocative and edgy is a bonus.”

Ellie’s work has attracted interest from collectors in China and the gallery has plans to run an art fair there.

According to McGee is also asking Leamington galleries if they would be interested in showcasing the work of York artists.

Meanwhile Ellie is proud of and grateful for the appreciation the gallery has shown for her work.

The young artist said: “I’m really excited to have my work showcased so soon after graduation.

“I can’t believe how lucky I am, as there are so many new young artists out there who could only dream of having their work shown in a gallery run by people who are as passionate and understand my work as much as Greg and Ails.”

The exhibition will run over the Christmas period and all works will be for sale on the gallery’s website.