MOSAICS are all over Southend, emblazoned on the front of a school or glimmering from the walls of the pier information centre.

Amazing to think then they have almost come from one man.

Paul Siggins, who is to open a new gallery-cum-studio-cum-shop in the heart of Leigh on Thursday, has been a local trailblazer in the art of mosiacs for more than 25 years.

His talent was flung forth to a wealth of opportunities after he was snapped up at the tender age of 20 by leading department store Harvey Nichols, to create a ten foot Gaudi-esque mirror frame.

His work has since adorned the interiors and exteriors of major retail stores such as Selfridges, and House of Fraser.

He collects reclaimed tiles and gets excited about new material in the way music fans do about discovering a rare vinyl.

“Current pieces I am working are always my favourites of the moment,” enthuses Paul.

“One project is my recreation of album covers. Music is another personal passion of mine.

“Sometimes it’s hard not to get too attached to a piece. I recreated a London Calling cover by the Clash which I was quite attached to, but I knew the man who bought it really loved it too, so that was OK.”

Paul has worked with leading UK architects and designers, and has exhibited both at home and abroad.

His work is also largely made up of commissions from the public sector, such as an awesome 32-square metre landmark mosaic in Swan Walk, Horsham, as well as many local schools.

Paul, who lives in Leigh, often creates bespoke pieces for customers, mainly on shower walls or swimming pools. He is also author of the Mosaic Sourcebook, which has sold more than 30,000 copies internationally.

His new shop, based in Ashleigh Drive, off the Broadway, is aiming to provide an array of “off-the-peg” options for people with less “high-end art” money.

Paul, 45, started his journey as a mosaicist when he was just 15 under an apprenticeship with his father’s company. He also did a stint working for his uncle, a stained-glass artist.

By 18 he was reputable enough to start his own company.

Paul’s wife, Fiona, has been instrumental in turning his productivity into a successful business, Paul Siggins Mosaic Studio.

For more information call 01702 712111 www.themosaicstudio.com