Supporting Lansdown Art Studios
Our Historic Art Studios:
The Creative Heart of Cheltenham
The Lansdown site in Cheltenham was established around 1860 with HH Martin & co acquiring in 1908. It was the firm that spawned the Gloster Aircraft Company, the Dowty empire and founded Gloucestershire’s enduring role in aerospace technology employing over 1000 people by 1920. But it also built aeroplanes, motor cars, fitted out ships, cast statues, produced stained glass windows, made furniture, worked iron, carved stone, moulded decorative plaster and excelled in every sphere of craftsmanship and were well known for their architectural work on landmarks like Marble Arch gates, Bristol Exchange courtyard roof, Bristol Temple Meads roof, The Cenotaph Whitehall and the Speaker’s Chair for the House of Commons. They were also recognised for decorative work on luxury ocean liners, including the Titanic and Lusitania, and made a significant contribution to the war effort by manufacturing Spitfire propellers during World War II and by the spring of 1931 produced 45 Bristol Fighter aircraft per week.
The Lansdown Art studios were founded in the late 1990s as an informal co-operative of local artists and took residence on the historic site of the former H.H. Martyn & Co. The studios are proud to carry forward that rich legacy of creativity and innovation. The co-operative was subsequently established as a not-for-profit unincorporated association and, more recently, a Community Interest Company (CIC).
What we offer to the local community
The studios are the largest single group of studios in Cheltenham and are home to a vibrant collective of more than 20 talented artists, all creators working across a diverse range of practices including painters, glass artists, printmakers and mosaicists.
As Cheltenham’s longest surviving studio space, Lansdown has become a cherished part of the town’s cultural fabric. In addition to taking part in the popular nine-day biennial Cheltenham Open Studios, the studios welcome visitors to periodic public exhibitions as an art collective — offering a rare chance to meet the artists, explore their workspaces, and experience the creative energy behind the scenes.
As well as providing much needed and rarely available affordable studio spaces in a supportive and thriving environment for artists, Lansdown Art Studios purpose is to continue to create, exchange ideas and to network with other creatives in the local area.
Furthermore, as part of an updated constitution, the new CIC aims, where possible, to advance art education and work experience through a number of studio-based initiatives.
The studios support the wider arts community through membership of Cheltenham Arts Council, helping to build the nascent Cheltenham Arts Network, fostering relationships with other cultural bodies in the area (including the recently established Cheltenham Culture Board) and contributing to the Cheltenham art e-bulletin. As a valuable asset in the town’s cultural life and economy, the studios also support galleries, framers and art material suppliers in the locality.
Please support our move to our new studios
Lansdown Art Studios holds a special place in Cheltenham’s artistic landscape as it’s the oldest art studio complex in the town. The open-plan first floor crafts workshop, with its high ceiling and extensive rooflights, has provided ideal conditions for art studios. However, the owner of the Lansdown Estate plans to redevelop part of the site, which will mean demolition of the building in which the current Lansdown Art Studios are housed and relocate us to a different building on the same estate. Several design options are under consideration. However, we will need help to support our mover
We’re turning to crowdfunding to raise funds for the internal fit-out of these new studios. While we aim to contribute as much as possible ourselves, we urgently need financial support for crucial elements such as screens and the fitting out of a new kitchen and toilets.
Every contribution, no matter the size, is immensely appreciated.
Contact us at https://lansdownartstudios.com/
Other ways to help
Why not consider donating £50 and having a plaque with your name on which
we will put into our foyer in the new art studios recognising your generous gift.
Interested?
Please email info@lansdownartstudios.com
Business and Corporate Sponsorship
If you are a business, why not consider sponsoring us? We will acknowledge your contribution on a plaque with your logo again on our marketing materials when we hold exhibitions and open days.
Why not speak to Tony Davie, our marketing director, on 07810 857255
Thank you for taking the time to read our story and consider supporting our cause.