Sunday and I am more than a wee bit weary.
We held our first Open Studio in the new space yesterday and I think it is safe to say it was a success.
We had people through right from the get-go until the end. We had capped our numbers in the studio at 15 (including me, Barry and Dad) and we never reached it nor breached it (13 was the maximum head count I found).
Nevertheless it was full on all day with people enjoying the print demonstrations; getting excited and enthralled by the old type and presses; and also enjoying some of our products and making purchases.
In fact it was so busy, neither of us took a single photograph!
Instead I have some of the before shots. Laugh. It all looks so serene...
Part of a bouquet of flowers from our friend Claire to celebrate our opening.
The pebbles welcomed folk; and quite a few people selected their favourite words and took them home.
Like a cabinet of curiosities, some of Barry's small sculptural works and earrings.
The workshop tables were covered with artists' books, journals, smelted objects and framed work as well.
The book press was covered in peace.
We were absolutely thrilled to sell The Rainbow of Kindness to a wonderful friend Mary. It is the first piece jointly printed by Barry and I in our new space so it is extra special knowing it has a lovely new home.
There were more flowers - orchids from my cousin and my Dad.
And by Sunday afternoon, things were back to normal and I had been printing some children's birthday cards. I am hoping either a child gets to circle the number of their friend or sibling's age; or some loving adult circles one and gives it to them!
With huge thanks to everybody who came along and supported us; who were enthused by letterpress and who want to come back and print; to those who did the coffee run and sent food in our direction; who counted heads and made sure everybody sanitised their hands; and to those generous folk who purchased things - we truly appreciate it all.
We are properly open now and beginning to be on the map!
We held our first Open Studio in the new space yesterday and I think it is safe to say it was a success.
We had people through right from the get-go until the end. We had capped our numbers in the studio at 15 (including me, Barry and Dad) and we never reached it nor breached it (13 was the maximum head count I found).
Nevertheless it was full on all day with people enjoying the print demonstrations; getting excited and enthralled by the old type and presses; and also enjoying some of our products and making purchases.
In fact it was so busy, neither of us took a single photograph!
Instead I have some of the before shots. Laugh. It all looks so serene...
Part of a bouquet of flowers from our friend Claire to celebrate our opening.
The pebbles welcomed folk; and quite a few people selected their favourite words and took them home.
Like a cabinet of curiosities, some of Barry's small sculptural works and earrings.
The workshop tables were covered with artists' books, journals, smelted objects and framed work as well.
The book press was covered in peace.
We were absolutely thrilled to sell The Rainbow of Kindness to a wonderful friend Mary. It is the first piece jointly printed by Barry and I in our new space so it is extra special knowing it has a lovely new home.
There were more flowers - orchids from my cousin and my Dad.
And by Sunday afternoon, things were back to normal and I had been printing some children's birthday cards. I am hoping either a child gets to circle the number of their friend or sibling's age; or some loving adult circles one and gives it to them!
With huge thanks to everybody who came along and supported us; who were enthused by letterpress and who want to come back and print; to those who did the coffee run and sent food in our direction; who counted heads and made sure everybody sanitised their hands; and to those generous folk who purchased things - we truly appreciate it all.
We are properly open now and beginning to be on the map!
congratulations (((Fiona & Barry))) beautiful photos and such good news!
ReplyDeleteThank you Mo - the wishes from the south made it thru!
DeleteIt looks wonderful!Big smiles and congrats to you, especially having had lockdown to consider
ReplyDeleteI am very taken with Barry's "cabinet of curiosities"
Thanks Di - it has been quite a weird dance with the lockdown - we were settled into assuming it would be August before we could open and then things happened more swiftly and suddenly it was full steam ahead! It is good to now be beginning again. Barry has many a cabinet of curiositites - you would enjoy a wander...
DeleteIt all looks great. Congratulations. Before the 'new normal' we were starting to plan a trip down under. Who knows, eventually, we might even be able to see the gallery for real
ReplyDeleteThanks Jac - we have been a bit under the pump but are happy and pleased to have come this far. If and when the trip down under happens, we will welcome you with open arms (but but from a safe distance and no hugging!) Would be so lovely to have you visit...go well.
DeleteI was thinking of you all weekend ... smiling ...
ReplyDeleteThanking you for thinking of us Liz! So nice to have the vibes across the miles...
Delete