FAIRY folk and creatures of myth are exciting the interest of borrowers at Upton-upon-Severn Library, where they appear in an exhibition of Fantasy Mirrors.

Being shown in Upton for the first time, the mirrors are framed with intricate arrangements of leaves, cones, shells, textiles and embroidery, incorporating fairies and goblins, along with a dragon and a tree sprite.

They are the work of Evesham artist Karen Fotherington, who trained in graphic design, but was drawn to folklore and mythology for her inspiration.

She has been creating three-dimensional soft sculptures of wizards and fairies for 25 years, but began framing mirrors three years ago, while she was receiving treatment for breast cancer.

Now the 47-year-old artist is in remission and happy to exhibit the work that helped her through her illness, although the mirrors are not for sale.

"This is a passion of mine. I am into entertaining people and reminding them of British mythology that seems to have been forgotten in this modern world," she said.

Her favourite mirror is a romantic turquoise blue concoction of silk, beads, shells French knotting and yarn-bound laces.

But the one she had the most fun making is composed of goblin faces, made out of stockinette.

"Some of them are inspired by Oxford gargoyles. It was such a challenge to make so many faces and different expressions," she said.