An award winning art gallery has won 'Best Window Competition' following the One Romsey celebrations in June.

Forest & Cove in Bell Street took part in the diversity and inclusion festival, founded by the mayor of Romsey, Cllr Russel Theron, by decorating the shopfront with recycled materials in the spirit of the event.

The display made from recycled crisp packets, was made to illustrate the potential of reused materials and how creativity can give life to items that may otherwise go to waste.

Owner Rebecca Jackson said: "Let’s celebrate valuing and nurturing diversity, to build a more vibrant, empathetic, and resilient world where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued."

Store manager Rachel Harcourt, said: "It's really nice to be more inclusive and celebrate everyone. We always do a pride window in June, this time we wanted to link it to the festival but also sustainability."

Forest & Cove's One Romsey displayForest & Cove's One Romsey display (Image: Eve Thompson)

Rebecca opened Forest & Cove in 2021, after owning a jewellery shop in Salisbury, where she made and sold her work, utilising her degree in fine jewellery making.

Today, she specialises in remodelling sentimental jewellery, giving forgotten items a fresh purpose, while preserving their story.

Her love for creativity also extends to teaching, with a passion for sharing skills and inspiring others.

The team offers a variety of classes, while winning a Muddy Stilettos award in 2023.

Rebecca said: "Owning a business comes with its challenges, especially as people have become more mindful of their spending. But adapting to what our customers need and want is key. We’ve learned that playing to our strengths is essential, and as a shop full of creative people, we began offering art classes.

"It quickly became clear there was a real demand for them. The response has been incredible, and we're now continuing to expand the range of creative classes on offer—making art and creativity more accessible to everyone in our community."

Forest & Cove are also taking part in Hampshire Open Studios, an event held from Saturday, August 16 to Saturday, August 23, to showcase local talent all around Hampshire.

Visitors can browse and purchase unique, handmade art pieces while enjoying live demonstrations and free drop-in art sessions.

To find out more about Forest & Cove, or to book a creative class, visit: https://forestandcove.co.uk/creative-classes/