Stepping into the magical world of Andrew Logan is an experience waiting to happen for anyone with and iota of creativity and his colourful, life-sized sculptures, mirrored famous faces and fashionable, glamorous jewellery are about onehour's scenic drive from Ludlow.

Using recycled coloured glass to create sculptures, portraits and stylish jewellery, his work is featured in galleries, museums and private collections across the world: The Queen Mother, Lord and Lady Sainsbury, film maker Derek Jarman, Julie Christie, Elton John and Larry Hagman of Dallas fame are just a few of his many admirers.

Born in Oxford in 1945, Logan qualified in architecture and since then his work has criss-crossed decoration, sculpture, stage design for drama and opera, lavish parades and festivals.

"Art can be discovered anywhere," said the man considered to be the Damian Hurst of the 70s and 80s. And it shows, he crosses cultures and artistic fantasy in a unique way, combining the art of popular poetry with metropolitan glamour.

Early fame blossomed within London's fashionable crowd and he grew to become an artist of international stature with exhibitions in Los Angeles, Mont-errey, St Petersburg and beyond. His current exhibition, showing wall portraits including Elvis, Marilyn Monroe and Putin, is at the Stratos Gallery in Moscow.

His 'magical museum', opened in 1998 by 'Rocky Horror Show' star and host of the cult TV programme Richard O' Brian, has become a major arts attraction for visitors from either side of the Marches, particularly the extravagant, unisex cat walk of stunning models who parade the latest jewellery collection.

Just a dream

The ritzy and glitzy museum, designed by Andrew's partner, architect Michael Davies, was just a dream until 1991 when the two bought two squash courts at Berriew near Bishop's Castle and converted them into a showcase for extravagant, contemporary art and design.

Dominating the display is a giant-sized Faberge-style cracked glass egg, a glass pyramid with sleeping space, a life-sized and a moving model of Andrew's fashion friend Zandra Rhodes complete with a waterfall of tears.

Famous for founding the Alternative Miss World competition in the 70s, some of the stunning costumes designed by Andrew are kept at the museum. But in January, a selection will feature at the Lies, Lust, Art and Fashion exhibition at the Podewill Arts Cenre in Berlin.

Andrew's sartorial attire -- mainly silk suits in blues, reds, greens and gold run up for him during visits to India -- stand out in even the biggest crowd and are the personal fashion statement of a quiet, creative man in his middle years, who still continues to take the world of funky, top-flight fashion accessories, by surprise.

Now dividing his working time between his London studio, The Glass House, and Mid-Wales he also likes to travel to India and the Orient to meditate and paint his beautiful watercolours.

"I was fortunate to find Berriew," he said. "We have been here for five years and the community seems to have taken to us. Visitors can enjoy the pub next door and a river bank with picnic places. We attract tourists from the English market towns which is good for local trade and business".

Children from Bishop's Castle, Ludlow and Church Stretton, have enjoyed creating the 'Logan' way. Where else can they see larger-than-life birds and butterflies, hear a singing tree, sit on a flame throne and make glass slippers? Workshops can be arranged for between 30 to 45 children and Learning for All packs are available on request.

Licensed for civil weddings and receptions, the disability-friendly museum has a caf, a shop and the most arty loo, or should that be Louvre, with coloured glass walls and matching fittings. It's well worth a pause for thought!

Eccentric, funky, colourful and entertaining, Andrew Logan's Magical World is a place of wonder, amazement, fashion and fun -- and so is he.

Telephone 01686 640689 or www.andrewlogan.com/ ALMS.hmt