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'Come in, I'll show you around', said Laura Wall, the artist that you will know best as the creator of your children's favourite bedtime stories.

The woman behind the Goose series of books is preparing to open her brand new supersize gallery in what will become a keystone in Teignmouth's Art Quarter.

The author and illustrator has come a long way since she packed in a job in TV production nine years ago to pursue her dream.

There are now 14 books in her Goose series which have been translated into more than a dozen languages.

And it doesn't stop there - she has toured the world including the UAE and Indonesia , is setting off for Saudi Arabia this month and China in April with her books, works as an illustrator for fellow author's work and that doesn't even include her own series of limited edition prints and artwork.

(Image: Laura Wall)

Laura explained: "People thought I was mad when I gave up that TV job because to many people, it sounded like a dream job, but I wasn't happy.

"I knew that if I really wanted to make this work I had to put everything into it but it takes a big leap of faith."

Now, Laura with her husband Dave, who works with her, are taking another big step in the business.

The move to the new premises in Northumberland Place will give her more than twice the space than her existing gallery in George Street.

It will form a part of Teignmouth's emerging arts quarter that with workshops, craft retailers and galleries, including the Reuben Lenkiewicz Art Gallery, is beginning to find an identity in the town.

(Image: Laura Wall)

Laura said: "When we came here eight years ago, I saw this space and thought that would make a great gallery and then to get the keys to it is just brilliant. I can't imagine any other building that would be a better fit for us. We've taken a nine year lease so that's us in it for the long haul, I can't imagine us leaving Teignmouth, we love it here so much, particularly the sense of community. Many of my customers have become good friends."

Last year, DevonLive looked at how Teignmouth has been transformed with the arrival of Waitrose and more recently, the new Pavilions art centre.

In recent years, more independent retailers and coffee shops have moved in along with the young families that now call this place home.

(Image: Laura Wall)

Laura said: "It is really good for the town and has led to this new arts quarter. It's lovely because many*people see me now as Teignmouth's artist and it has become a draw for visitors. A lot of Goose followers come to visit too and they stay in the B&Bs and use the restaurants, so other businesses benefit too."

The new gallery takes a corner site and has huge windows. Laura's workspace will be in full view of customers and will be a showcase for her artwork and her growing range of homeware that carry her signature Laura Wall designs.

Among the big successes have been tall latte cups, cushions and lampshades.

"With the latte cups, we could not box them up fast enough over Christmas. I've got so many ideas. I am always working or thinking about the business. It's definitely a lifestyle and I have had to think differently about my name. I see it as a recognisable brand now and that took some getting used to."

(Image: Laura Wall)



In fact, using art as a basis as a sustainable career choice is something that Laura is passionate about. She said too often, people are put off from pursuing their creative ambitions at school because they can't see how it will lead to a good job.

She said: "That's such a shame because, in this day and age of digital connectivity, there has never been a better time to be an artist and there are so many career paths you can pursue."

The gallery officially opens on February 23. Already the signwriter has put Laura's name above the door and decorated it with her signature cloud designs.

Inside the gallery, the desk is designed as the front of a boat in honour of one of Laura's first characters, Fisherman Pete.

(Image: Laura Wall)

When she was starting out as an artist, she took her portfolio around 50 galleries and it was her painting Fisherman Pete and Blustery Sea that they loved.

He inspired her Love at the Seaside series that features Teignmouth landmarks and has been developed to include the Devon landscape and the Love in the City series which is set in romantic cities across the world.

Look closely at the images, and they all feature Goose somewhere in the crowd.

"That will never change", insisted Laura, "there would be too many disappointed people if I ever stopped."