"Being an artist can be a very lonely profession as you spend may hours on your own. Having the dogs around is a wonderful thing." That's what painter Henrietta Stuart said when asked how her five-year-old Golden Doodle Bella helps inspire her work.

The Wimbledon Art Fair is back again this week in what has been called a "truly unique event."

In the lead-up to the show, six artists at the Wimbledon studios have talked about how their canine companion helps keep them happy at work.

“Our walk to the studio sets us both up for the day and it’s often then that I come up with new ideas," ceramicists Carolyn Tripp said.

"Coco (her eight-year-old American Cockapoo) is really quiet in the studio and spends most of the day asleep in her basket although she sometimes stretches out next to the warm kiln."

Painter and cartoonist, Rob Murray said his 21-month old Bramble is constantly pushing him in new directions.

"Having a dog that loves long walks inspires my work continuously," he said.

"As a landscape painter, she gets me out into the countryside at least once a day, where I can sketch, take photographs and soak up the atmosphere.

"Those experiences often inspire a new painting.”

Wimbledon Art Fair takes place at Wimbledon Art Studios from 9th-12th May 2019.

For more visiting information go to: https://www.wimbledonartfair.com/.

Nearest train stations are Tooting Broadway and Earlsfield. Visitors are welcome to bring their dogs.