After working alongside each other as artists for several years Eileen Hogan, of Kilham, and Merice Ewart, of Bridlington have just completed a two week residency at Burton Agnes Hall.

They were invited to take up the residency by the hall owners and Mrs Hogan says it was an unforgettable experience.

Mrs Hogan said: “It’s been lovely, it’s very nice and you can get lots done because it’s beautiful. Unfortunately we are not there now but we have had the experience.”

Their respective husbands Tony Hogan and Glenn Marshall, have undertaken the role of artists in residence for the past five years but this time it was the women’s turn to enjoy the stately setting.

The artistic duo have spent their time painting, sketching and taking photographs, and Mrs Hogan said they had enjoyed the time spent together soaking up their surroundings.

“It’s very good to get the chance to work together like this. We were just two girls on our own enjoying the peace and tranquillity,” Mrs Hogan added.

Mrs Ewart, who specialises in photographic manipulation, was selected as an Exhibiting Member of the prestigious Leeds Fine Art Club in 2005 becoming their first ever photographer and has exhibited in galleries across Yorkshire.

Mrs Ewart said: “It’s really wonderful to be invited to a place like that. As somebody interested in architecture it’s a wonderful place to study.”

“One of the actual pieces I submitted to the Leeds Fine Art Club was a photograph of the stairwell at Burton Agnes Hall and that was partly why I was accepted so it is quite fitting that I was invited to return to the hall as a resident artist.”

Mrs Hogan, who offers art courses from her Kilham studio, has been accepted for exhibition at several art shows in the region.

The pair hope to take up residency again later in the year while their husbands will return to Burton Agnes Hall in August.