The first Open Studios of 2024 at Marchmont House, in the Scottish Borders will take place during the first weekend of June. Hosted by the Hugo Burge Foundation (formally the Marchmont Makers Foundation) the Open Studios weekend will also feature a Makers Market. Over the weekend the permanent resident artists will welcome visitors for “a weekend of art, creativity, and fun”.
The curated collection of visiting artists and creators will form a tented Makers Market on Redbraes Meadow, and visitors to the Open Studios and Makers Market events will be encouraged to wander through the blossoming Walled Garden, at Marchmont. Refreshments will be available in the courtyard.
The Hugo Burge Foundation is an independent charity supporting creativity across the United Kingdom
I’m very excited to have been asked to show my millinery collections at the Marchmont event for the weekend of June 1st-2nd, so thought I would have a look at the other artists who will be showing their work alongside in the tented marquee, at the Makers Market, too.
Once I started browsing the artists’ Instagram feeds I was inspired by the variety, the sheer expertise of their work and the spring-like imagery featured in many of their posts. So I thought as we have been awaiting Spring for so long this year, I would give you a taste of the artists and makers who will also be showing their work during the weekend.
First up is Marianne Hazelwood who will dazzle with her wonderful botanical prints and designs – seen here is a springlike bouquet featuring sea holly, wax flower, long stem daisies, ami, birch and pine captured in this gorgeous illustration.
Another artist whose work appeals and is very individual is Martha Ellis .
At the Makers Market, Martha will be displaying her unique and beautiful hand or laser cut works, including her wall-mounted pieces. She draws her inspiration from the natural world and says that a huge perk of going to the river for research is the opportunity to collect a beautiful bunch of wildflowers gathered on a springtime walk!
Drawing inspiration from their Tweed Valley location is Natural Little Bee
Once at the Maker’s Market, you’ll able to call at their stall to view their award-winning handmade natural products. Natural Little Bee uses local beeswax, honey & unrefined ingredients to create their skincare products, handmade in the Tweed Valley.
Meanwhile I can’t wait to meet Sarah Rhys whose charming drawings and prints epitomise country life in this part of the country. Her bluebell and mouse design is symptomatic of her appealing country style
Katie Warner will be bringing along her handcrafted baskets. She specialises in handcrafting decorative, functional and characterful baskets from her studio in Edinburgh.
Pictured are two small “gathering” baskets pictured made entirely from Buff Noir – a specialist willow that has been stripped and steamed to create a smooth, dark chocolate brown finish.
At the Makers Market in June, Elaine of Love Tuppence will be showing her range of beautiful items for the home and garden. Most of Love Tuppence’s items are handmade in her workroom in the Scottish Borders, others are carefully sourced.
Jenny Oswell is a studio potter and educator is based in the Scottish Borders who will be bringing a range of her pots and wares to the Makers Market.
Pictured is the entrance to Jenny’s studio – what inspiration these beautiful surroundings must provide for the country-based potter.
Vanessa Priest is a jewellery maker based in Berwick upon Tweed. Vanessa’s jewellery designs are inspired by the landscape, nature and history of Northumberland.
Her brand, QuayStones, will feature jewellery made of 100% recycled metal from certified sources at the Makers Market in June.
Also at the Maker’s Market will be Redbraes Pottery. Heather Wilson and Nick Stenhouse of Redbraes, are are part of Marchmont Creative Spaces, and make their studio pottery in the Scottish Borders.
Pictured are some of their terracotta pots in the Marchmont hothouses. The garden team have filled them with beautiful flowers – aren’t they stunning!
And finally – I am delighted to be included in this year’s selection of makers at the Hugo Burge Foundation Makers Market and am looking forward to meeting all the visitors to the Market.
Working from my studio in North Northumberland, at the market I will be showing a selection of millinery and millinery accessories. There will be pieces inspired by classic and vintage millinery styles, many finished with a contemporary twist, all with couture styling, and shown under my branding of The Northumberland Milliner. I will also be available for consultations and commissions.
Here’s a link to an information sheet with more details of all the activities available over the weekend – in addition to the Maker’s Market – you can also use the link to book your free tickets in advance.