MERRY Hill has teamed up with Black Country Type, a photography project led by artist Tom Hicks, to showcase 28 art pieces around the centre.

Tom Hicks brings to life the ever-evolving Black Country landscape through photography that captures architectural features, local landmarks and objects.

The artist, whose images are taken exclusively with a smartphone camera, is known for his focus on words, typography, handmade lettering and signs visible on the streets of the Black Country.

His popular Black Country Type photos - captured across Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton - will be displayed across the shopping centre until June 25.

Jonathan Poole, centre manager at Merry Hill, said: “Our partnership with Black Country Type has given us an exciting opportunity to showcase the uniqueness of the Black Country and wider West Midlands, while celebrating the talent that our community is home to.

“We’re looking forward to seeing the response from visitors over the course of the exhibition and we encourage people to spend a little time with us over the coming weeks and to come and see Tom’s unique photography for themselves.”

Artist Tom Hicks, founder of Black Country Type, said: “While I traditionally show my art in galleries or online, I’m excited to be able to reach new audiences and connect with even more people through my photos with the help of Merry Hill.”

To give visitors chance to take a piece of modern Black Country art home Black Country Type prints will be available for customers to buy from retailer Soley Grail Soley Customs, priced £22.50.

Sarah Wilkinson, founder of Soley Grail Soley Customs, said: “We’ve had the opportunity to showcase a few local businesses by selling their items in our store, and doing so again is such a great experience. We’re looking forward to seeing the positive response from shoppers.”

The Black Country Type exhibition is the first art project hosted at Merry Hill for more than a decade.

See Black Country Type’s Gallery of images on Instagram @blackcountrytype