September Newsletter

An Exciting Autumn in Harwich

For such a small town we seem to do very well for artistic and cultural events, many of which give the opportunity for public participation.
This autumn we have two very special commemorations coming up, with events starting in October and continuing into next year. Surrender & Sanctuary lead by Harwich Haven is a public history project which encourages local people and visitors to explore the unique role of Harwich, Dovercourt, Felixstowe and the Shotley Peninsula in two momentous events in world history during the twentieth century: the surrender of the German U-Boat fleet in November 1918, and the arrival of the first Jewish refugees on the so-called ‘Kindertransport’ in December 1938.
Details are still being worked out, but it seems likely that Old Bank Studios will have a role to play. Plans are being made for art workshops, exhibitions, a quilt/tapestry project, a public art installation including 120 flags made by individuals and groups to represent the 120 U boats surrendered. As the details are finalised we will put out more information on how to get involved.

Developments at the Old Bank
We have been doing a bit of refurbishment, which is nearing completion. The first project was the ‘bijou cottage’ adjoining the bank, progress of which was set back slightly when I decided to create a separate Craft Studio leading from the Textile Studio. This space is now completed and ready for action and the cottage will soon be up and running as self contained, double accommodation which can be rented if you are staying over whilst on a course.
The new Craft Studio (as seen above – must clean the windows!) will allow us to set up the jewellery/enamelling kiln, dying and printing equipment, etc properly and allow us to offer more craft oriented events in their own dedicated space.
New workshop for October
We have just put this one on even though its short notice, but we liked the idea and thought it looked like a lot of fun.

Tracy Barritt-Brown
Willow Lantern
Saturday 13th October 10.00 – 4.00
£55 Including All Materials and home cooked lunch
Using willow weaving techniques to make a frame, create a lantern by fitting a light unit and layering in different colours
more details

***Last Place Remaining***

Alison Holt
Flowers and Foliage
2 Day Course
Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd September
10.00 to 4.00
£160 Including home cooked lunch both days
Experiment with painting on silk in an impressionistic style to create a base for machine stitching. Combining the two elements we will produce images with colour, depth and definition.

Spaces have become available
Unfortunately people have had to pull out of events at the last minute which means we have a couple of extra places to fill. These events are coming up very soon so you’ll have to make a quick decision if you want to come.

This Sunday

Jo Hammond
Willow Weaving – Hare
Sunday 9th September
10.00 – 4.00

working in our walled garden
weather permitting

more details

Next Sunday

Anna Davies
Contemporary Flowers
Sunday 16th September
10.00 – 4.30

Using Acrylics and Alcohol Inks

more details

Thursday Morning Textile Group
Due to work commitments one of my lovely ladies has had to leave the group which means I have an opening for anyone that would like join us.
How it works: £10 per session, payable a term at a time, come along and follow your own projects in our fully equipped Textile Studio. You can also have the use of one of our top end sewing machines. Give me a call if you’re interested 01255 242930.
Coming up in October
Old Bank Studios regular Keith Morton is coming to us for a weekend this year for two workshops which are, at the same time, similar but different. A day spent with Keith will teach you the fundamentals of how to approach a painting and use brush strokes in an economical way that leaves your work looking fresh.
Keith Morton
The Essence of Portrait Painting
Saturday 27th October
10.00 – 4.30

 Acrylics or Oils

more details

Keith Morton
The Essence of Pet Portraits
Sunday 28th October
10.00 – 4.30

 Acrylics or Oils
more details

Who wouldn’t want to paint Dave the sausage dog? Or the pet of your choice.
Also in October
Melanie Blaikie
More Adventures in Silver Clay
Monday 22nd October
10.00 – 4.00

more details

Our recent trip to Southwold
A couple of weeks ago we gave ourselves a week off camping in Southwold. A mixture work (nice work) and pleasure we combined a bit of relaxing with a bit of painting and returned a painting to Andrew Pitt – the unsold one out of three shown in our Summer Exhibition. We also booked him in for a full weekend in 2019 to lead a plein air workshop.
It was a very constructive and most enjoyable week , Nigel’s Plein Air painting produced some amazing results two of which we sold whilst there. I enjoyed practising some watercolour painting from “The Art Tent”
Our very old dog Magpie enjoyed her last few days with us and Banksy, but sadly we had to say goodbye to her, this was a very fitting end to her very long active life.
A selection from Nigel’s gallery.
Favourite watercolour of mine and our brightest star Magpie RIP
Thank you for reading this month’s installment
Best wishes
Bev, Nigel and the only child

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