A group of Lakeland artists are offering the public an early preview of their latest work ahead of the opening of their own studio and gallery space next year.
The Makers Mill in Keswick is to officially open early in 2019 but visitors will be welcome there throughout “Sneak Peek Week,” which starts on Saturday September 8.
Around a dozen local artists, sculptors, designers and manufacturers have got together to create their own work and display areas at the trendy riverside location, producing everything from fine art painting to ceramics and pottery. Among them is Alison Critchlow, a former Cumbrian Artist of the Year.
The three-storey building in Greta Side is being converted into four work studios, plus a shared gallery to showcase the artists’ work, along with accommodation on the top floor.
Owner Luke Harding, of MOS Bespoke Furniture, lives there and has been renovating the former joinery business premises for three years since he bought it with his partner Sophie Wilson. “It flooded during Storm Desmond not long after we got it but the bottom floor is now ready and the rest will be completed in 2019 when we will open fully to the public,” said Luke, 32.
Glass, woodwork and sculptures are among the unique hand-crafted pieces already being produced at Makers Mill, along with items in material, wool and textiles. The artists using a studio there include Sara Le Gris, who specialises in creating art from beachcombing for glass, and Keswick-based Tonia Gilliatt, who said: “We’d like people to come in free of charge and see what we are creating here, both individually and as a group.
“There are a lot of different artists in Cumbria all working away in their own private studios or in sheds at the bottom of their gardens but Makers Mill has created a hub where people can get a clearer vision of all the effort that goes into producing hand-made art products.”
There will be demonstrations, workshops and starter courses run by artists, while items will be available to buy from them during Sneak Peek Week, which lasts nine days until Sunday September 16. Makers Mill is behind Otley Road car park and will be open 10am to 4pm throughout. Demonstrations during the opening weekend include using a potter’s wheel. For further information, go to Facebook.com/themakersmill.
