Join us June 1st and 2nd for a weekend of art, creativity, and fun at our Open Studios!
We're so excited for our first Open Studios of 2024! We'll be hosting a range of visiting artists and creators at our Makers Market, opening the doors to our permanent workspaces, and inviting visitors to wander through our blossoming Walled Garden. There will be plenty to eat, drink, and experience, so make sure to book your free ticket now.
Makers Market
We have a fantastic roster of exciting new and returning artists and creators at our Makers Market this year. Milliner Margaret Woodliff-Wright will be setting up a stall of fabulous handcrafted hats and headpieces. Marianne Hazlewood will be dazzling us with her wonderful botanical prints and designs. Martha Ellis will be displaying her unique and beautiful hand or laser cut works, including her wall-mounted pieces. If you're looking to refresh your skincare routine, stop by Natural Little Bee's stand to pick up some award-winning handmade natural products. Illustrator Sara Rhys will be exhibiting her charming prints. Katie Warner will be bringing along her exemplary handcrafted baskets. Tuppence will be displaying its range of beautiful items for the home and garden. Jenny Ozwell, studio potter and educator, will also be with us with a range of her pots and wares.Vanessa Priest from QuayStones will have jewellery made of 100% recycled metal from certified sources on offer. We're also so excited that Redbraes Pottery will be returning with their beloved ceramics. You'll also be able to find some of the Hugo Burge Foundation team selling plants, our very own honey, and ethically-made HBF tote bags in our own stall! These bags will be the first in a reoccurring series, so make sure to stop by, meet the team, and pick one up!
Open Studios
Our permanent residents are so excited to welcome you all into their creative havens where they do some of their most inspirational work. Visit the studios of sculptor Richard Goldsworthy, and stone carvers Josephine Crossland and Michelle de Bruin in their courtyard studios, or head to the Upper Powerhouse to meet 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. Mosey down the lane to the Marchmont Silversmithing Workshop, which just celebrated the first anniversary of its opening.
We will also have Tansy Lee Moir in the atmospheric Old Squash Court displaying her moving charcoal drawings of trees captured on the Marchmont Estate. These haunting pieces were created last year while Tansy was with us on a special residency.
Walled Garden and Glasshouse Tours
One of the creative hearts of the Hugo Burge Foundation is our tranquil walled garden and beautifully restored glasshouses. Head Gardener Toby Loveday will be leading groups on mini-tours around these spaces to give a bit of insight into the vision and work behind them.
After your tour, stop by the Glasshouse Kitchen to snag an elderflower fizz or another refreshing drink before heading back out to listen to some live music in the Garden Colonnade.
Daily free mini-tours from Head Gardener Toby Loveday at 12 PM in Walled Garden.
Activities and Demonstrations
Textile-artist Pauline Burbridge will also be in the Common Room to shed some light on the process behind creating her fantastic quilts.
Live music from local choirs will be performed throughout the day. Village Voices performing Sunday June 2 at 11 AM.
Cello performances at 2 PM in the Glasshouses.
Many more fun activities are being planned, so make sure to check back for more.
Food and Drink
The beloved Three Hills Coffee van will be in our courtyard, serving up hot drinks to put some pep in your step.
We also have The Big Blu van returning to serve up some delicious, freshly-fired pizzas if you get hungry.
With a Cherry on Top will be serving up crepes, milkshakes, and ice cream sundaes!
We'll have refreshing drinks to purchase in the Walled Garden.
If you would like to bring your own lunch, picnic tables will be available in our courtyard.
Important Information
Tickets are free but timed so make sure to book early to ensure you snag a time-slot that works for you! Last entry will be 3 PM.
If you would like to make an optional donation, you will be entered into a raffle to receive a handcrafted chair from the award-winning traditional furniture maker The Marchmont Workshop. This chair is a special opportunity to own a piece of furniture made using techniques, tools, and patterns passed down through six generations of master and apprenticeship starting in 1890.
The Hugo Burge Foundation is run independently from Marchmont House and access to the House is not a part of our Open Studios. However, the House plans to run a series of House Tours during the Open Studios event as well as serve a refreshing lunch. You can find out more about that on their website at marchmonthouse.com
Parking will be available on-site. There will be a one-way traffic system in operation during the Open Studios events so that cars will arrive from our Greenlaw entrance and depart via Polwarth. More information to follow before the event.
Location
This event will take place at the HBF Creative Spaces on Marchmont Estate. You can find us here on Google Maps or use What3Words (nets.routine.glimmers) to find us.