Our free 'Open Studios' weekend is back for the summer!
A wide range of our resident and visiting artists will be onsite to introduce themselves, show their work and possibly even sell some too, including quite a few new faces!
There will be an expanded 'Makers Market' where local makers will showcase their works, plus a variety of catering outlets.
For your comfort and enjoyment we are limiting the numbers on site at any one time, and therefore a free timed entry ticket is required for each person on both days, which offers staggered arrival times 30 minutes apart - but you can stay as long as you like!
A range of our resident and short-term artists - including some new faces - have joined forces and will be onsite to introduce themselves, show their work and possibly even sell some too.
Amongst those exhibiting for the first time is the Nigerian born, Aberdeen based print-maker Ade Adesina RSA whose vivid, ecologically-minded linocuts will be in the Tower Studios. Ade will have recently finished a commissioned piece for Marchmont so come by to gain insight into the creative process.
In the Studio Common Room, Gary Anderson and Andrew Mackenzie will be displaying the work from their recent trip aboard the Yacht Whimbrel, an expedition commissioned by Marchmont Makers Founder Hugo Burge.
Some wonderful Garvald Makers, who will be on residence at Marchmont during the Open Studios, will also be exhibiting their work in the Old Squash Court. Garvald Edinburgh is a a creative community and charity supporting adults with learning disabilities. Help give them a warm welcome to Marchmont by stopping by!
The first recipient of our Writing Residency, Cal Bannerman, will also be reciting some of their poetry! Cal has spent the month of June living and writing at Marchmont. Both their poetry and their performances are captivating, so this is not an event to miss!
We are also excited to be able to show you the newly restored Victorian kennels building that has been transformed into the Marchmont Silversmithing Workshop - the new home for the contents of the late Master Silversmith Graham Stewart's workshop, kindly gifted to the Scottish Goldsmiths Trust who manage the workshop. The project is supported by the William Grant Foundation and Marchmont Makers Foundation. The current tenants are Master Silversmith Ryan McClean who over the next two-years will mentor three early career Silversmiths: Katie Watson, Scott Smith and Hannah Keddie as they springboard their careers from the Workshop.
We also welcome you to visit the studios of sculptor Richard Goldsworthy, stone carvers Josephine Crossland and Michelle de Bruin along with artist Gary Anderson. The 7th generation rush seat chair-makers and craftsmen Richard Platt and Sam Cooper will also have their workshop doors open, offering a fascinating glimpse into their work methods and tools at The Marchmont Workshop.
There will also be an expanded 'Makers Market' where local makers will showcase their works including: our very own Redbraes Pottery, the social enterprise charity Re-Tweed, the print-maker Rosemary Everett printing, basket-weaver Penelope Wilson, illustrator Sara Rhys, botanical artist Marianne Hazlewood, millinery from Ginger & Teal, leathercraft by Roslyn Whiting, hand-made skincare from Natural Little Bee organics, Harris Tweed clothing by Pinkminis and The Ridge Project who will demonstrate how to use plants for health and make flower crowns.
Please do bring the family too! Artist and 'creative facilitator' Georgie Faye will be on hand with her hand-operated printing press for everyone to try.
Entry is FREE, but we ask you to consider a voluntary donation of £5 to our charity Marchmont Makers Foundation* to support artist residencies and local community projects.
Your donation will go towards our artist residency programmes, community projects and school workshops.
*Scottish Registered Charity No: SC048981
If you're eager to see a bit more of the House and Gardens, join us for one of our House and Sculpture tours led by our amazing tour guides that will be taking place throughout the weekend.
Limited to a maximum of 15 people, tours last around 75 minutes and include the recently renovated Walled Garden that is not normally open to the public. Our sculpture collection has surely something for everyone, covering a period from the early 18th century to 2021, and including abstract work, classical figures to growing works and pieces inspired by the trees and landscape of the estate.
To avoid disappointment tickets should be booked in advance, though a limited number may be available on the day. Ticket holders should arrive for the booked time, and they are very welcome to attend the Open Studios event before or after their tour.
The route may include uneven surfaces. The Sculpture Tours are 100% outdoors and will take place regardless of the weather – so please wear appropriate clothing and footwear! Unfortunately, it is not possible to allow dogs, other than registered assistance dogs, on the tour. Please note entry to the Open Studios is included with your timed tour.
We have a variety of catering and beverages to keep you happy while you're here!
Enjoy wood-fired pizzas from The Big Blu Pizza food truck or get your caffeine kick with a coffee from Bean 'N Gone Borders.
The wonderful Marchmont House team will also be offering up some delightful treats. Housekeeper Liz Kinghorn will be providing us all with her famous home-baking! If you'd like something a bit stronger, the team has also carefully crafted some refreshing cocktails.
While it is easiest to visit Marchmont via car, if you are hoping to use public transportation for Open Studios, we also highly recommend using the app Ride Pingo, if you would like to arrange a visit to us via public transportation from the train station. Pingo is a service run by the Borders Buses that allows customers to book a shared journey not served by bus at that particular time.
We highly recommend booking your journey a couple days in advance of your visit as it can be busy at times. The price for the service is around the same as regular bus routes in the Borders.
The journey from Berwick-upon-Tweed to Marchmont takes approximately 35 minutes.
Our cancellation period is 14 days in advance.
We will happily offer a refund or a credit for a later date before then, please do get in touch.
Should we cancel the event for any reason you will receive a complete refund.
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