Making space for art

Artists and makers opened the door of their studios to Yorkshire author and designer Sally Coulthard, who has chronicled the creative spaces in an inspiring new book. Sharon Dale reports. Main picture by Gary Longbottom.
In the studio of Emily Sutton photographed by Alun CallenderIn the studio of Emily Sutton photographed by Alun Callender
In the studio of Emily Sutton photographed by Alun Callender

Author, garden designer and interiors enthusiast Sally Coulthard is supremely well qualified to write a sourcebook about studios.

She’s a creative herself. Her best-selling books, include Shed Chic, Shed Decor and Restored to Glory: A Guide to Renovating your Period Home and she practises what she preaches. She restored her own house and garden on a budget but it looks a million dollars thanks to clever styling and eye for a bargain.

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More recently, she turned a redundant stone barn on her North Yorkshire farmstead into affordable studio space after realising there was a desperate need.

This treasured red cabinet is full of Emily's finds and curios.This treasured red cabinet is full of Emily's finds and curios.
This treasured red cabinet is full of Emily's finds and curios.

Over the past decade, painters, makers and artisans, have made the three workspaces in this rudimentary agricultural building into a vibrant creative hub.

“It’s scruffy, it’s not heated and there’s no running water but the people who work there have transformed it into something truly special. One artist whitewashed the stone walls and ceiling and painted the floor a glossy grey to create a backdrop for her work. Another, a tailor, filled the room with fabric, hung chandeliers and propped boudoir mirrors against the walls to create an intimate sewing den,” says Sally.

Her venture brought back memories of her childhood with parents who were passionate about the arts.

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“They had a lot of friends who were artists and craftspeople and when I was a little I’d often go with them to visit studios. I absolutely loved it. There was something magical about being there. Even at that age I could see how life-affirming the spaces were and how they were also a snapshot of a person’s personality.”

Lisa Meunier's home studio in FranceLisa Meunier's home studio in France
Lisa Meunier's home studio in France

Her observations have been collated in her latest book Studio: Creative Spaces for Creative People. It is packed with case studies and inspiring photographs featuring studios from all over the world. There are also tips on planning your own with advice on everything from layout and sourcing materials to lighting, seating, noise and inspirational props.

One of the main reasons for writing the book was to encourage readers to give their creativity the space it deserves.

“Acknowledgement that your work deserves its own space is the first step to taking it a little more seriously. With the right environment, creativity flourishes and the quality of the work changes. There’s also something about being cut-off from everyone else that really helps,” she says.

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“A work space that is well organised and practical is a joy to use and it will make you more productive in the long run but a studio has to do something more. Like a virtuous circle, the more of yourself that you put into the space, the more your studio will feed your creative drive.”

Sally Taylor's studio in North YorkshireSally Taylor's studio in North Yorkshire
Sally Taylor's studio in North Yorkshire

Studio: Creative Spaces for Creative People by Sally Coulthard is published by Jacqui Small, £25. Sally is a Yorkshire-based author and designer, sallycoulthard.co.uk; circlegardenservices.co.uk.

*Fine artist Sally Taylor, stone barn studio, North Yorkshire.

Sally is one of the artists who rents space in Sally Coulthard’s barn. Her drawings and collages focus on the human head.

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She says: “The studio is like my artwork. It’s white and bright with tiny flecks of colour. It’s also cold and rustic but I need that sense of hardship – it reflects the struggle in my work. I can’t imagine making my work in a clean, new space.”

Sally Coulthard adds: “For all the building’s challenges, Sally has created a studio full of warmth and meaning. A large red sofa provides a place for thinking and looking. Simple Ikea shelves and salvaged school furniture reflect Sally’s aesthetic at home and her love of unshowy décor and simple forms. A folder, attached to the wall, contains scraps of paper with the nice things people have said about her work; with four nominations for the Jerwood Prize and an appearance at the Venice Biennale under her belt, you wonder whether she really needs it.”

*Lisa Meunier, ceramic artist, France

Ceramicist and stylist, Lisa, has filled her studio with flea market finds. “It’s a light, white apartment with large windows that open to the sky and a flower-filled balcony,” says Sally.

“Her studio is a room off the main living space and is filled with toys, textiles and other decorative items, creating a ‘personal universe’ which informs her work. Most people would make it look like clutter; with Lisa’s informed eye, she makes it look like art.”

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Lisa adds: “Maybe one day I will put colour on the walls but white is neutral, enlarges the space and catches the light. As the room is already full, I find white more visually relaxing.”

*Mark Hearld and Emily Sutton, artists, illustrators and printmakers, York

This treasured red cabinet is full of Emily's finds and curios.This treasured red cabinet is full of Emily's finds and curios.
This treasured red cabinet is full of Emily's finds and curios.

Mark and Emily live in a tall Georgian townhouse in York. Mark’s studio is in the attic and Emily’s is one floor down.

Sally says: “While Mark’s studio is a non-stop creative whirlwind, his partner Emily takes more methodical approach to her workspace.”

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Emily explains: “In terms of our working styles, I am much more of a planner and work in a methodical and meticulous way. Mark is an improviser; expressive and spontaneous and enjoys creating on the spot from the materials around him. The differences are reflected in the look of our studios – mine being fairly neat and tidy and Mark’s is perpetually in creative chaos”

They both agree that their incredible collection of curios and ephemera informs their work.

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