King Street Studio Workshops, Pateley Bridge
Located in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the King Street Studio Workshops unite a group of full-time designers and artists, all of whom are inspired by their surroundings – the fabulous contrasting landscape – the heather moorland, the high fells, the gentle farmland – of Nidderdale, home to many craftspeople, artists and designers.
The Workshops are sited in the Old Workhouse complex, and the dedicated makers who are based there include artists who work in ceramic, gemstones, precious metals and blown glass. They are a collective working heritage and their studios are open to members of the public, as is the Nidderdale Museum which is also based on site.
They include the textile artist and photographer Kirsty Hopkins whose work can be seen here and who runs a number of textile courses including in felt making and batik. Other artists include the ceramic sculptor Dodie Hallas, Moxon and Simm contemporary jewellery, the glassmakers Sanders and Wallace, the hat maker Claire Spooner and Zeitgeist fine art by Alister Colley.
There are a number of events throughout the year, including The Summer Spark 2011 which is a terrific opportunity and see and buy original work directly from the artists and designers. What’s more, two of the studios – Maureen Little and Moxon & Simm – are on the Open Studio Trail.
Further information, including directions, can be found on the King Street Studio Workshop website.
And if you’re looking for accommodation nearby, check out the Yorkshire Dales guest houses on Hello Yorkshire.
And if you’re into the Arts, you may be interested in York’s Festival of Ideas.