Woman joined online session and has never looked back

A Merseyside woman is set to be part of thousands of families Christmas’ without ever meeting them. Tess Gilmartin, from the Wirral, is collaborating with LUSH this festive season with the 35-year-old’s artwork chosen to be featured as one of the cosmetic retailer’s advent calendar designs.

Tess is an artist at the Blue Room, the Bluecoat’s inclusive programme with learning-disabled and neurodivergent adults. She was here when she received the news that her large-scale mixed media piece, titled ‘Horse Big’, was selected to be displayed in the hundred LUSH stores up and down the country.

She told the ECHO: “The idea for my piece came from spending time at the stables on weekends. I love to ride and look after horses and I care for a horse called Bee. Being outdoors and enjoying nature inspires me.

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"I like the colours and shapes in nature. I like that people will be unwrapping their presents at Christmas and discovering my art. It’s a great gift for mums."

Tess has been making art since 2020 after joining an online session. Her passion has grown there and it shows no signs of slowing down as she continues to use bright colours and expressive mark-making to create joyful paintings.

Becky Waite, Blue Room Project Manager, said: “We're thrilled that Lush has chosen Tess's beautiful work for this year's advent calendar commission. Tess's use of colour and line is so confident and joyful and this is a fantastic opportunity to share her work with people all over the world.”

The advent calendar retails for £190 and includes the likes of Dreaming of a White Christmas bath bomb, sleepy body lotion, Merry Kissmass lip scrub and Snow Fair lip jelly mask. It also includes soap, retro bubble bars, shower gel, and two gift exclusives, the Yog Nog body lotion and the Magic of Christmas fragrance.

Suzie Hackney, Lush gifts creative and category lead, added: "It is always a pleasure and privilege to work with the talented artists at Blue Room. We are continually inspired by the diverse and captivating artwork Blue Room creates and their work translates beautifully onto our gift packaging collections.

"We take great pride in sharing these artistic expressions with our customers as the quality and creativity of the work truly speak for themselves. We are passionate about inclusivity within the arts and these shared values continue to make for some exciting collaborations. Really excited to see this relationship continue to grow and flourish."