Barnet Guild of Artists to relocate after 60 years at Whalebones
The organisation is moving from its long-standing studio to a new purpose-built facility as part of a housing development.
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The Barnet Guild of Artists is holding its annual exhibition at Wesley Hall in Stapylton Road until Saturday 31 October. The event showcases paintings, prints, and cards from guild members, with art critic Estelle Lovatt opening the show and praising its curation.
This exhibition marks a significant transition for the guild, as it prepares to leave its studio at Whalebones, which has served as its home for six decades. The guild was formed in 1948, with its first exhibition held at Queen Elizabeth’s Girls’ School. A founding member, Gwyneth Cowing, built the original studio in 1961 and stipulated its use by the guild in perpetuity.
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New Studio Development
The relocation is necessitated by a development by Hill Residential on the Whalebones estate, which includes the construction of 115 new homes. A new purpose-built studio for the guild is being constructed as part of this development. Planning permission for the estate's redevelopment, including the new studio, was jointly granted to Hill Residential and the Gwyneth Cowing Will Trust in 2024.
Work on the new studio, which fronts onto Wellhouse Lane, is progressing, and completion is anticipated by January 2025. The guild's membership secretary, Helen Leake, stated that the organisation hopes to move into the new premises during the early months of next year. While acknowledging the emotional significance of leaving the studio built by Gwyneth Cowing, members are looking forward to the benefits of the new facility, which will include a larger art studio, full disabled access, and modern amenities.
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Estelle Lovatt, speaking at the exhibition opening, highlighted the importance of art in contemporary society, stating, “Art makes people happy and with the cultural shift towards everything happening on a screen, we need art more than ever because art includes everyone.” The guild anticipates that the new premises will offer opportunities to broaden its appeal and collaborate with other arts groups.
Exhibition Details
The Barnet Guild of Artists' annual exhibition is open at Wesley Hall, Stapylton Road. Opening hours are from 10am to 6pm until Thursday 29 October, from 10am to 8pm on Friday 30 October, and from 10am to 12 noon on Saturday 31 October.
Questions this report answers
+When is the Barnet Guild of Artists' annual exhibition?
The Barnet Guild of Artists' annual exhibition is being held at Wesley Hall in Stapylton Road until Saturday 31 October. Specific opening hours vary by day, with extended hours on Friday 30 October and a shorter period on Saturday 31 October.
+Why is the Barnet Guild of Artists relocating its studio?
The guild is relocating from its studio at Whalebones, which it has occupied for sixty years, to a new purpose-built facility. This move is due to a housing development by Hill Residential on the Whalebones estate.
+When will the new studio be ready?
The new purpose-built studio for the Barnet Guild of Artists is expected to be completed by January 2025. The guild hopes to move into the new premises in the early months of next year.
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