CHESTER MP Chris Matheson has been presented with a special city artwork as a celebration of the local area, which will be publicly displayed in Storyhouse.

The artwork also marks the launch of Sky Arts as a free-to-air channel

The new piece is by Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year finalist Fujiko Rose.

Fujiko is a fine and decorative artist whose work celebrates nature and design. After finding something that inspires her, she takes the concept back to her Hertfordshire studio where she works on highlighting the particular aspects she finds appealing to create something unique, eclectic and highly contemporary.

Mr Matheson said: “It was a pleasure to meet Fujiko and I am delighted that the Chester Rows were chosen as one of just 40 sites across the UK to mark the launch.

"I am very grateful to Sky Arts for choosing us. The project celebrates the diversity of landscapes and buildings across the country and the power of art to offer new perspectives.

"It is exciting to be able to share this piece of art and to have the work of such a talented upcoming artist in Chester. And where better to share it than Storyhouse!

“The towering half-timbered galleries of the Chester Rows are a truly iconic and much-loved feature of Chester’s town centre, the oldest parts of which date back to the medieval era.

"No-one is certain of the Rows exact origin, and that mystery only enhances their distinct charm, and this artwork will be right at home in one of Chester’s most popular cultural institutions.”

He added: “Supporting the UK’s vibrant arts sector has never been more important.

"I am hopeful that in launching Sky Arts as available to everyone, we will see greater participation in the arts from new and diverse audiences and I encourage constituents to take advantage of this cultural programming which is now available to watch free of charge.”