Visitors were plentiful at this year’s Hampshire Open Studios event. The were treated to top quality craftsmanship and paintings at the Paterson Centre in Swanmore, Hampshire.
In total, eight members of the Wessex Guild of Craftsmen took part. They displayed an array of exciting work, and some demonstrated how they make their artwork. The sewing machine whirred as Sheila Barrow created her popular, intricate, textile pictures, featuring meadows of flowers and trees. Louise Brown showed how she constructs her woven baskets with supple willow, and had a great display of baskets and smaller items like trivets, all crafted through weaving.
Linda Banks brought along some stained glass pieces to wrap with copper foil, which is part of the construction process for her stained glass creations.
Displays included quirky and detailed illustrated pieces depicting animals doing unexpected activities, from Vanessa Wells, plus original designs depicting local scenes, birds and nature, by Vicki Hunt. Vicki showed off her great artistic skills by working on a fine pen drawing of a hare during the event.
Wendy Smith had sketchbooks of inspiration to hand to show visitors, alongside her array of contemporary paintings depicting nature and seascapes.
Susan Ware‘s finely decorated ceramics impressed all who saw them, with her Christmas holly designs being snapped up, despite it being August. This proves that it is never too early to think of Christmas decorations and presents!
Richard Stapley had a wonderful display of his turned wood pieces made from all sorts of wood, and explained his making and decorating processes to visitors.
As a result of this interactive event, visitors gained some insights into the processes involved and were keen to purchase some unique artwork. The members loved meeting everyone and chatting about their designs.
