A while back I went to see the exhibition held at Coburg House Studios and I’ve just not had the time to post up some pictures I took of the lovely work I saw.
Coburg House Art Studios are home to more than 70 artists working in a wide range of disciplines. The building also houses a bright and spacious multi-purpose gallery and on the opening night it’s chocka-block with people, so I decided to go on the Saturday instead when it would be less busy.
I mostly wanted to go see how the space had changed since I had a studio there [many many many years ago] and I was really surprised at how amazing the place was and how it had been transformed. Gone were the drapes and curtains that separated each space and in their place, sturdy walls and lockable doors.
I also wanted to go see my friend Sandra as I hadn’t seen her in ages and had never visited her in her studio in Edinburgh before. Sandra makes the most amazing moneyboxes in all shapes and sizes that are bright and fun and you can see examples of her work on her fabulous website.
I walked away with an amazing apple moneybox all of my own – very chuffed!
One of the first studios I walked into was shared by two jewellers – Jackie Bell and Grainne Broderick. Their work was really lovely and it was so nice to chat to them both.
I fell in love with the rings made by Jackie and I really loved the way she had displayed them in the top drawer of one of her cabinets. Lots of little clusters of coloured stoned and silver flowers – really really lovely and simple and so unlike my work that I decided to buy one – it was hard to choose, but I opted for one of her delicate little flowers.
The rings were all displayed in small groups in these tiny little acrylic stands – so simple and very effective – I must get some!
I have no idea who made these bowls below, but I loved the patterns and colours, so took a quick snap and there was no-one about to ask who made them.
Really lovely rings and bracelets below by Kaz Robertson – I think – If I’m wrong, let me know!
Really beautiful pieces below made by Hannah Louise Lamb. I’d only ever seen these online and so it was lovely to see them in the flesh for the first time. Such delicate cut outs in the shape of birds and animals and what I always thought was resin or acrylic behind some of the brooches, turned out to be fabric held in place by thick felt – so nice to see the texture of the fabric against the smooth brushed silver.
I walked into Emily Hogarth’s studio and was stunned by her work. Amazing paper cut designs suspended in glass or simple box frames.
She often spends days on one small commission or weeks on something larger. I don’t think my fingers would last beyond half and hour.
Her work is so lovely and you can see examples on her website. I love the pieces that are cut from one large piece of paper/card. But I also like it when she combines separate pieces in different colours and layers the work to get the final result.
Each piece tells a little story with words, sometimes poetry or a simple message or greeting, surrounded by intricate designs and patterns.
She also makes notecards and prints her patterns onto fabrics and makes teatowels – but has also had some of her printed fabric made into bridesmaids dresses – see her blog.
I bought a pack of lovely little cut outs – not sure what I’ll do with them, but think they’ll definitely some out at Christmas I think.
There was so much more on display than what I’ve shown here, but I couldn’t photograph everything and I only had a short time to go round and see everything as I arrived about an hour before closing time.
