Kingsgate Workshops is opening up again this year for one weekend only, welcoming the local community in to meet its artists and makers.

The inhabitants of the studios, ranging from film makers, illustrators, painters and ceramicists, through to glass artists, jewellers, sculptors, and even a wedding dress designer, open their doors to give the public a glimpse of their somewhat mysterious world. 

The Victorian warehouse building which houses the artists and makers isn’t open generally to the public. However, behind its imposing façade over 75 artists and makers are coming to work every day, making it one of the largest centres of employment in the area.

The product of all that creativity will also be for sale here, and buying directly from the maker means you support creatively directly at the source. Director of Kingsgate Workshops, Dan Howard-Birt says...

You may have heard in the press that artists’ studios are disappearing all over London. We feel that artists and makers are a really important part of the vibrant cultural life of the city, and we want local people to be a part of that.

 

 

 

EVENTS

This year we also have a programme of demonstrations and activities for the public to join in. Our studio holders want to share their skills, from musical instrument making for kids to glass art techniques.

 

Each of these events lasts approximately 45 minutes.

Space is limited and will be allocated on a first come basis (except for the workshop at 15:00 on Sunday, which must be booked in advance). 

 

 

Saturday

1pm

Tool Sharpening Demonstration- Studio 6&8, Ground Floor

Led by Alan Johnson

Skilled woodworker Alan Johnson will demonstrate how to sharpen a range of woodworking tools.

 

2pm

Papermaking Demonstration - Studio 17B, Ground Floor, The Yard

Led by Lucy Baxandall

Lucy, an expert paper artist will be demonstrating how to produce highly distinctive, handmade papers.

 

3pm

Printmaking Demonstration - Studio 32, Middle Floor

Led by Theresa Pateman

Theresa Pateman is known for the quality of her prints and she will be demonstrating how to use an intaglio press.

 

4pm

Fixing to Walls Demonstration - Studio 6&8, Ground Floor

Led by Alan Johnson

This demonstration will teach how to fix shelves etc. to walls so that they are firmly fixed – and straight.

 

All Day, Drop In

Clay Workshop - Studio 43, Top Floor

Led by Josie Warshaw

Here’s your chance to get your hands on some clay and learn from established ceramic artist Josie Warshaw. Josie will instruct you in modelling techniques as you make your own clay character which you can take away with you. Glazing and firing can be arranged if you would like to make your work permanent.

 

All day, Drop In

Glass Art Q&A- Studio 31, Middle Floor

Led by Beverly Bryon

Beverly will be available all day to explain the range of making techniques she uses to produce her high quality glass artefacts.

Sunday

1pm

Silversmith Demonstration - Studio 4, Ground Floor

Led by Angela Cork

Silversmith Angela Cork is known for her striking, contemporary designs and quality making. She will be demonstrating chasing: applying decorative patterns to metal with punches.

 

2pm

Glass Cutting Demonstration - Studio 31, Middle Floor

Led by Beverly Bryon

Acclaimed glass artist Beverley Bryon demonstrates glass cutting techniques. Suitable for all ages.

 

3pm

Simple Musical Instrument Making Workshop  4 - 7 year olds -  Studio 6&8, Ground Floor

Phone 
Led by Alan Johnson

Expert craftsman Alan Johnson will instruct children in making a musical instrument. Each child must be accompanied throughout by a carer/parent. Must be booked in advance: 07941 850 866 (places are limited).

 

All Day, Drop In

Clay Workshop - Studio 43, Top Floor

Led by Josie Warshaw

Here’ s your chance to get your hands on some clay and learn from established ceramic artist Josie Warshaw. Josie will instruct you in modelling techniques as you make your own clay character which you can take away with you. Glazing and firing can be arranged if you would like to make your work permanent.

 

All day, Drop In

Glass Art Q&A - Studio 31, Middle Floor

Led by Beverly Bryon

Beverly will be available all day to explain the range of making techniques she uses to produce her high quality glass artefacts.