The recent launch of Annie's debut exhibition at FeelCreative's gallery in Didsbury, Manchester created quite a media buzz.

Courtesy of News Group Newpapers Ltd

Where the art is ... actress Annie beside one of her canvases

The exhibition immediately attracted the attention of the local papers, with the Manchester Evening News devoting half of its front page to a picture of Anne, and a full page write-up inside. But that was nothing compared with the 24 hours that followed. The gallery had to open at 5.30am on Wednesday to allow the GMTV cameras inside to do an exclusive live feature. This culminated with an interview with Anne on ITV, broadcast live from the gallery at 8.30am. Literally seconds before that went on air, she had also found time to do a live radio interview with BBC Radio Manchester. And later that day, Granada Reports arrived to film a news piece. If that wasn't enough, the national media were now featuring the story, with The Sun, The Daily Mail and The Telegraph all devoting large articles to the exhibition.

It's been an amazing week of non-stop publicity, with the exhibition attracting far more attention than even we ever thought it would. We've had customers driving from far and wide to see Anne's work, and the stream of visitors hasn't died down yet.

It just goes to show what a popular and much loved figure Anne - and Deirdre - is.

Underground Creative, 14th November 2008

The pictures themselves received widespread acclaim, drawing favourable comparisons with Salvador Dali and Turner Prize winners.

Baked images, long shadows, calm and solitary.
... echo something of the solitude and glamour of Edward Hopper's work. Others have the mottled, warm light of the Impressionists.

Telegraph Art Blogger Victoria Holman, 7th November 2008

What a pleasure after years of inspecting the efforts of the Turner Prize winners and the likes of Tracey Emin. ... At last Toulouse has seen works by someone worthy of his critical appraisal.

The Sun, 12th November 2008

... the new Dali? Actress Anne Kirkbride shows off her hidden art talent.

Daily Mail, 12th November 2008

The Exhibition was launched at FeelCreative's gallery in Didsbury, Manchester on November 6th until mid-December when it transfered to the District Cafe in Burnley.

The exhibiton has now gone "home" to Andalucia. It can be seen at Lykes, Avenida La Parata, Mojacar from May 9th till July 5th 2009.