Sunday 30 November 2014

Christmas Special - Open Studio's in Hadlow






From artisans to artists - Modern day artists working in historic buildings Open studios’ returns for Christmas in Hadlow, the weekend of the 6/7 December.  At the start of this year's Festive Season three Hadlow studios will be opening their doors to the public. 16 local artists will be displaying their work ranging from glittering glass and jewellery to vibrant ceramics, photography and painting, giving visitors an opportunity to meet them in a studio setting and purchase that unique gift. 


Each of the Open Studios is taking place in a historic building with strong local heritage connections. Gingerbread Gallery, located in Walnut Tree Cottage, (Hadlow Square, TN11 0DG), dates back to 17C and was used as a village smithy. 

Another studio, Natal House (High Street, Hadlow TN11 0EF), dates back to the 1740's. The area of the house now used as an artist studio was originally the site of a farriers and horse doctor. 

Bourne Grange Oast East (next to 1, Carpenters Lane TN11 0EJ) is a mid 19C Oast house with a circular hop kiln, tall conical roof and a characteristic white timber cowl. Once used for drying the hop so essential in the Kentish Beer brewing tradition, it was converted into a home in the mid 1980's.

Each of these artisan houses are now the homes and studios of professional artists who are hosting this Pre-Christmas event. There will be an artist’s trail map around the village, seasonal refreshments will be available at the Gingerbread Gallery and there's a chance to enter a raffle prize draw when all three studios are visited. 


Christmas Decorations by Hildegard Pax


Mixed Media by Julie Taylor


Winter Photography by Angel Young


Christmas Parcels by Ray Taylor


Hadlow Artist and local South East Open Studios coordinator Hildegard Pax says: ”The Open Studios events offer a window into the local art scene, which is stimulating, diverse and thriving. There is some amazing work to be seen at very competitive prices”.

Venues will be open 10am-6pm on Saturday and 11am-5pm on Sunday.Come and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the market and visit artist studios throughout the weekend. Free entry

A Dickensian themed Christmas Fayre is also being held along the picturesque Church Street and at St Mary's Church in Hadlow on Saturday 6th of December from 4-6pm. This very popular and atmospheric event will have stalls by village groups with mulled wine, Father Christmas and featuring the switch-on of Hadlow village lights.

Opening Times: 
Saturday 6 December: 10-6pm 
Sunday 7 December: 11-5pm 




Venue Details: 
Bourne Grange Oast East

Carpenters Lane, Hadlow, TN11 0EJ

Natal House,
High Street, Hadlow TN11 0EF
'Gingerbread' Gallery,
Walnut Tree Cottage, Hadlow Square, Hadlow, TN11 0DG
https://www.facebook.com/GingerbreadTeashopGallery

All venues are in close proximity to each other and St Mary's Church.
Parking is available near each venue, see map.
Public transport: 7 & 77 bus routes connecting to Tonbridge town and rail station, Tunbridge Wells, Maidstone and Kings Hill along A26