SWINDON'S history and changes in fortune over the last half century have been reflected in art at a new exhibition.

The people of the town were invited to produce their impressions of Swindon's trans -formation from a declining railway town to a modern industrial centre as part of the Golden Jubilee.

They were also invited to depict any memorable people and events from the last 50 years.

The result is the open exhibition currently running at the Wyvern Theatre, organised by Swindon Artscape.

Swindon visual arts officer, Barbara Dixon, said: "We have had some rather unique examples of art on mosaic as well a mixture of photographs and paintings."

Works include a mixture of modern and classical art using a variety of techniques. Among the elegant works of art is Lynette Wade's impression of that famous Swindon landmark, the Magic Roundabout, the chaos and noise of the traffic re-created on a circular mosaic of porcelain, mirror and glass.

Swindon's famous association with the railways is also portrayed, with scenes of work in the railway works, paintings of trains, historical railway buildings and a painting by Terry Humphries showing the decline of the Mechanics Institute.

Other paintings show the spectacular landscapes across the Front Garden, and examples of Swindon's fine architecture, particularly Old Town's famous landmark, Christ Church.

Swindon Artscape is a scheme run by Swindon Council and commissions professional art at exhibitions, workshops, festivals and concerts.

Entry to the current exhibition at the Lower Foyer Gallery of the Wyvern Theatre is free. It is open from 10am to 6pm until June 9.