Workshops at Coach House Arts are Go!
After months of renovating our building I finally have a wonderful space to teach, exhibit work and showcase local artists too! This large project started in March 2024 and finished just in time for a reindeer workshop in Dec!
Our building has a rich history and dates back to at least 1800, over that time it’s had many uses inc an agricultural store, weaving workshop for cloth workers and St John Ambulance HQ from the 1950’s .
Since 2016 when we first bought the Coach House I’ve worked in the large garage welding armatures and weaving my willow and wire sculptures. This was the only space downstairs that didn’t flood! Now the other rooms have been tanked and insulated it’s hard to remember the wet crumbly walls and the draughty windows. In its latest reincarnation I’m now able to display my work for customers and visitors in the front gallery space ( formerly the old St John Ambulance kitchen) it’s large window cills are perfect to display medium sized work and the new heritage windows let so much light into the space. The back studio has gone from a damp cold store with cidercreate floor to a warm, bright and spacious studio teaching space where I can work with up to 8 people to create willow and wire sculptures. Finally we’ve also replaced the old Victorian soil pipe so now have a new water efficient wc. …its amazing what you can learn on you tube!
As a new arts space in the centre of Cullompton I’ll also be working with other creatives in our community to offer workshops, exhibitions and further opportunities. So if you’re looking for a place to exhibit your work, run a workshop, have a meeting or just need a big space to develop your ideas for a few days do let me know!
Many thanks to all the builders, plumbers, window specialists and electricians for working with one of the most wonky buildings ever!
This renovation project was partly funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, as part of Mid Devon’s funding for business and Historic England’s Structural & Historic Reinstatement Grant.
