Bosses at the thriving Sunny Bank Mills in Farsley have created more space for its flourishing artistic community.
The mill complex has opened 10 new studios in the Twisting Gallery this month, which will complement the existing 14 studios in its Spinning Mill.
Sunny Bank Mills already hosts the popular Sunny Bank Mills Gallery, the acclaimed art, design and culture space housed in a light and tranquil 3,000 sq ft old cloth warehouse.
The spacious art gallery, together with the new and existing studios, showcases local artists and provides a creative space for the Farsley, Pudsey and west Leeds community.
The studios and the art gallery will be open to the public as part of the special Heritage Open Days on September 14-15.
William Gaunt, co-managing director of Edwin Woodhouse, the developers of Sunny Bank Mills, said:
“We want to support local artists in Leeds. The overriding aim is that the mill should be an inspiring place for people to come to work – and visit. The new studios in the Twisting Gallery, together with the Spinning Mill and the gallery, achieve this aim.”
Nel Whatmore, a Yorkshire artist who has just moved into Sunny Bank Mills, said:
“It has been a lifetime’s ambition of mine to have a studio in a mill and to be part of a creative community. Having recently been forced to cancel my biggest show of the year, Chelsea Flower Show, I am delighted to say that I have had the time to explore new opportunities and discover Sunny Bank Mills.
“The combination of an inspiring building and the careful curation of the spaces meant it was a very easy decision to move in to the Twisting Gallery.”
Sarah Chandler, another artist who has just moved into Sunny Bank Mills, said:
“From the first moment that I walked into Sunny Bank Mills my mind was active with creative thoughts.
“I have only recently moved to Farsley but it already feels like home. It is a very special place full of warm friendly people. I love the sense of community here. I am honoured to have been accepted into the new studios. I can’t wait to get started.”