AN EXHIBITION of artwork at Thomas Hardy's former home in Dorchester looks at the final year of the relationship between the writer and his first wife.

The display at Max Gate opens this month and runs till the end of May.

It will see the work of artist Susan R Hughes on show in the Tess Study at the property, which is run by the National Trust.

Hardy designed and lived at Max Gate from 1885 until his death in 1928.

It was also the home of his first wife Emma Gifford until her death in 1912.

The exhibition is entitled Emma and Thomas Hardy; Remembrance of difference, deficit and separation and features a series of new images created by visual artist Susan.

Her portrait of Emma Gifford that is on display at the Dorset County Museum is used as the starting point for the work and Susan has made much use of the Hardy archive at the museum for the exhibition.

She has also travelled to Eton College to see the only surviving letters from Emma to Hardy.

The resulting collection of ten images aims to portray the themes of change, the self and loss during that featured during the later part of the couple's life together.

Visitor services manager for Hardy Country and Clouds Hill at the National Trust Martin Stephen said: "Visitors to Hardy’s home are always fascinated by Emma’s story and about her life with Thomas at Max Gate.

"We are really excited about this new exhibition in the study where Hardy wrote Tess of the D’Urbervilles.

"It will look at the story of Thomas and Emma in a new way."

Included in the exhibition is the artist’s research sketchbook, which shows the initial development of ideas, taken from the archives, and the process of combining all the different elements discovered.

Susan said: “Once again the research process was a long and fascinating experience, which was often very touching.

"Many of the insights I gained were only possible through the help of Dorset County Museum and its voluntary staff, who I would like to thank once again.

"I am also thrilled that the National Trust has allowed this new work to be displayed at Hardy’s home.”

Max Gate opens on Wednesday, March 11 and will be open from Wednesday to Sunday from 11am to 5pm until November 1.

For more information about visiting the property contact the National Trust team at Max Gate on 01305 262538 or visit nationaltrust.org.uk/maxgate