Wild Mums project in Cornwall

Artists are starting work while still in nappies at a Falmouth Art Gallery project run by Cornwall College. Photograph: PR

At the Wild Mums art sessions, babies and toddlers are invited to make tiles out of clay - with plenty of baby handprints and mess encouraged. Photograph: PR

“To come in to an art gallery situation – well, most of these young women just wouldn’t normally consider it,” said the group’s co-ordinator Ellie Nicholas. Photograph: PR

Mothers join the group after referrals by midwives, doctors or social workers. They can also self-refer. Photograph: PR

Around 80% of the mothers attending Wild Mums groups across Cornwall have experienced domestic abuse, and 90% have suffered post natal depression. Photograph: PR

The art sessions run on a flexible basis. Mothers and babies can turn up any time during session hours and babies can take as long (or as little) as they like on their pieces of mini art. Photograph: PR

The end result is ceramic art that will form part of a new installation for the town's gallery - along with works created by other groups supported by Heritage Lottery Fund money. Photograph: PR

Brian Stewart, the gallery's director, hopes a whole generation will come back to the space to point out the tile they made as babies. Certainly, the project offers a fantastic introduction to the world of art. As Picasso said: "Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up." Photograph: PR