I work in a brand-new studio space above my home in Bowlish, Shepton Mallet, in the heart of Somerset. Bowlish is one of three hamlets that were the centre of farming and cloth production from the Middle Ages until the turn of the 20th century.
These hamlets made a vital contribution to the area’s economy over hundreds of years, employing thousands of local people. What started as coarse woollen cloth production changed to fine-quality silk production following the influx of the Huguenots in around 1550.
My house is a Grade II listed building with a rich history dating from the 1700s. The studio was created in 2021 from an entirely disused space on the top floor of the house which appears to have been directly linked to a large adjoining mill. During the 1830s, the dwelling house absorbed its industrial features and became a private residence.
The studio is light and airy with plenty of windows, and has been opened up into the eaves, exposing the original roof timbers. Two of the six windows feature newly commissioned stained glass, made by a neighbour in his local workshop. These have been installed into stone frames that had been blocked up for many years. The walls have been rendered with traditional lime plaster which is porous and helps to stabilise the internal humidity of the space by absorbing and releasing moisture.
The floor of the studio was reinforced with extra joists to safely support my cast iron board chopper (with an estimated weight of 500kg) in one corner. My workspace also boasts a brand-new Piccadilly laying press, made by James Oliver at Olive and Oak; a blocking press and type; two nipping presses and a well-stocked armoury of tools and equipment – from jewellery piercing saws to sewing machines!
STUDIO HIRE
If you wish to speak with me about hiring out my studio to teach your own one-off bookbinding class, please get in touch to discuss. Please note, I am also able to offer residential stays in our self-catering holiday let (accessible directly from the studio) if you require overnight provisions for a course that lasts longer that one day. More details of this are available in the “Residential Courses” section on my website.
