THE Garden Gallery's 21st Summer Exhibition attracted a record number of visitors over the weekend.

Entitled Truth to Material, an exceptionally high standard of contemporary sculpture and ceramics remains on show until July 18.

Some 100 years have passed since the death in the trenches of the great sculptor Henri Gaudier-Brzeska, at the age of 23.

Influenced by Jacob Epstein, Gaudier-Brzeska was an early exponent of the practice of direct carving, originally introduced by Brancusi.

Direct carving adhered to the doctrine of truth to materials, allowing the innate qualities of the stone, marble or wood to show through simple forms, respecting the block, and often polished to bring out the colour and grain.

Truth to Material is an opportunity for artists to demonstrate how their chosen medium expresses their ideas and creativity.

New work by regular artists, and some exhibiting at the gallery for the first time, accompanies Truth to Material.

The Garden Gallery has been established for 21 years and represents some 50 sculptors, potters and makers.

It has acquired a reputation for exhibiting sculpture, ceramics, lettering and furniture of the highest quality for gardens and interiors, all by contemporary artists.

The exhibition is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 11 - 5, until 18 July.

Hampshire artists include Robyn Golden-Hann, Nadine Collinson (see image), Tracey Sheppard FGE (see image) and Emily Myers.