We are pleased to announce our first 'Open Studios' weekend for 2023 at Marchmont Studios.
A wide range of our resident and visiting artists will 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 are the Nigerian born, Aberdeen based print-maker Ade Adesina RSA whose vivid, ecologically-minded linocuts will be in the Old Squash Court, and sculptor Billie Bond who uses the Japanese 'kintsuki' technique, and who will be on residency with us in The Tower.
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
On the same day why not join one of our Outdoor Sculpture Tours.
We are holding special tours on both days of the Open Studios weekend - including a sculpture tour with 'local hero' artist Charlie Poulsen and the always popular Hugo's Garden Ramble which is a longer tour, taking in all of the grounds and Hugo's plans for the future.
Limited to a maximum of 15 people, tours last around 75 minutes (Hugo's Ramble is closer to 2 hours) 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. 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.
During this Open Studios we are opening the House for guests who would like a 'Weekend Away' in the luxury accommodation of Marchmont House.
Take a look at the 'Weekend Away' events page to experience the full Marchmont magic!
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.
Subscribe to be the first to hear about upcoming Events & Occasions.