Intricate artwork by a retired teacher who worked in Congleton has made it into the Royal Academy's Summer Exhibition in London. 

Christine Cole, who worked at the former Heathfield High School in Congleton prior to moving to Eaton Bank School, beat stiff competition from thousands of other artists to make it into the summer 2024 exhibition. 

Christine went to London to see her print on display. (Photo: Christine Cole)

And the grandmother and mother-of-three says she still can't believe that a piece of her work is on display in the prestigious exhibition. 

The intricate embroidered print in the exhibition. (Photo: Christine Cole)

"Entries this year were capped at 14,500. I received a letter to say my work had been shortlisted and then an email at the end of May to say it had been selected," said Christine. 

"I still can't believe it. It's such an achievement and I'm delighted. I'll be taking my three daughters and three grandchildren to see it." 

Christine, (71) from Pool Lane in Winterley near Sandbach, uses silk paints to paint on to the silk before embroidering the design using a sewing machine. 

Christine next to her work of art which is in room 8 of the exhbition. (Photo: Christine Cole)

Her design for the Royal Academy of Arts' Summer Exhibition, "Pont Cym-yr-Afon' features a bridge in Wales based on a photograph taken by her husband Graham during a trip there. 

"I learnt the technique from Oswestry-based Alison Holt and I've gone from there." 

Christine studied French and Art at teacher training college in Alsager, later becoming head of languages at Eaton Bank School in Congleton before retiring. 

The artist went to London earlier this week for a service at St James's Church in Piccadilly, London for other artists taking part in the Summer Exhibition which opens next week. 

"I can't explain how I felt seeing my work on the wall," said Christine.

Christine's work, machine embroidered pictures on painted silk, was on display at the former Gibson's Greengrocers and Deli in Sandbach before it closed.  

The Royal Academy's Summer Exhibition runs from June 18th until August 18th. Tickets are available from this link here