Audiences across the country can learn a whole lot more about about an artist from Stroud as she takes to the television screen this evening.

Hand embroidery artist Niamh Lily Wimperis, whose dad Jack also lives in Stroud, is one of the artists who will feature in a BBC Two programme set to screen this evening, called The Victorian House of Arts and Crafts.

Although there were plenty of tears, Niamh said that it was an 'amazing' experience

As part of the new, unique four-part series, a late 1800’s Victorian Arts and Crafts commune in the Welsh hills has been painstakingly brought back to life as a group of six 21st century crafters.

The series will follow the three men and three women, including Niamh as they move into the house and experience the highs and lows of living and working together as a creative commune.

Viewers will be able to watch the crafters over their week long stay as they renovate four of the key spaces in the house using using original Victorian tools and techniques.

Niamh said that her dad, who she describes as her biggest inspiration and supporter, encouraged her to apply for the programme

Throughout the series Anita Rani is joined by internationally renowned potter Keith Brymer Jones and Arts and Crafts expert and dealer Patch Rogers as the six crafters are faced with the challenge of breathing life back in to the Victorian parlour.

All the while eating, working and living within the philosophies first outlined by the likes of John Ruskin and William Morris - as part of a 1890s commune.

Niamh, who has a masters degree in contemporary craft, said that she loved her time as part of the show, and it had helped her to believe in her ability again.

"My dad sent me the application and encouraged me to take part," she explained.

Much of her work focuses on nature, which may be why she loved learning beekeeping

"He's my biggest influence, and also my biggest supporter, and he's also a fantastic artist.

"I never thought that I would actually be one of the people that was selected, but I am so glad that I was.

"It actually felt very normal, very quickly - and I loved dressing like a Victorian, it felt weirdly right!"

Part of what the show was looking to explore was whether working under the conditions encouraged by the Arts and Crafts movement would help them to connect with their creativity.

Niamh is a hand embroidery artist from Stroud

Embroiderer Niamh said that the whole project had been 'amazing' and her modern inspirations such as nature, or movements such as feminism, had been re-energised by the time in the house.

"I cried a lot, but I have also had the opportunity to experience some brilliant stuff too.

"The whole thing was amazing - I loved learning beekeeping," she said.

"I've found a real belief in myself, partly due to living in an artistic community as part of the programme."

To find out more about Niamh and her work visit wimperis.co.uk

  • Viewers can enjoy The Victorian House of Arts and Crafts from January 11, at 9pm on BBC Two