A 93-year-old woman whose creativity continues to flow with the currents of the river Waveney will today open a new exhibition of paintings.Margaret Thomas, who lives overlooking the river at The Mill in Ellingham, will be displaying her latest body of work at the Cork Brick Gallery in Bungay.

A 93-year-old woman whose creativity continues to flow with the currents of the river Waveney will today open a new exhibition of paintings.

Margaret Thomas, who lives overlooking the river at The Mill in Ellingham, will be displaying her latest body of work at the Cork Brick Gallery in Bungay.

Despite her age, she continues to exhibit regularly in London, even driving herself to the capital in her 1925 Bullnose Morris.

And her new exhibition, which opens today with a private viewing, is testament to her continued vitality.

Margaret paints most days from her studio and takes inspiration from the nature surrounding her.

Originally from London, she moved to Ellingham in 1984, having enjoyed holidays on The Broads with her family as a child.

“I always felt that was where I really belonged,” she said. “The Broads have always been very important in my life. It was very much part of my childhood.”

Although hesitant to specify her style, she describes herself as torn between the work of impressionist Wilson Steer and cubist Georges Braque.

She said that her style has developed over the years. “I try to be more deliberate and consider every inch, rather than just going 'whoosh!'” she explained. “I'm less impetuous.”

Margaret studied primarily at the Royal Academy Schools in London, and has been an active member of the New English Art Club for more than half a century.

She has exhibited in many famous galleries such as Messum in Cork Street and the Mall Gallery in Trafalgar Square, as well as other galleries across the UK.

She draws on a variety of subjects in her work, including the beautiful view of the Waveney from her home. Throughout her life she has owned four beloved Bedlington Terriers, which have also been a source of inspiration.

Another passion is flowers, particularly cyclamen and daisies.

“I could really have a daisy exhibition,” she said. “They're like old ladies. They have tremendous characters and they die.”

She said she was looking forward to attending today's private viewing. “I shall enjoy seeing my friends,” she added.

The exhibition is open to the public from Tuesday, and will run until April 20. Cork Brick Gallery, in Earsham Street, is open Tuesday to Saturday, 11am to 5.30pm. For more information, telephone 01986 894873.