Darren Ball Garden Sanctuary September 2, 2020 For myself, and I think many people, the lockdown has meant the luxury of enjoying the garden more fully.  I have always really valued it but the restrictions of movement have enabled me to look a little more closely and to be more aware of changes as they appear.  … Read more

Tom Pockley Lockdown Woodturner August 19, 2020 I am one of the luckiest people you could meet. About a week after my 50th birthday the headmaster of the school where I had happily taught chemistry, invited anyone over 50 to take early retirement. I leapt at the chance and after two years of part time chemistry … Read more

Sussex Guild member Diane Rogers is exhibiting in Brighton August 5, 2020 Many exhibitions and shows have been cancelled so far this year because of Covid19 so the opportunity to exhibit some of my work along with the Fiveways Artists group at St Augustine’s Arts and Events Centre, which provides a safe space, was very welcome! … Read more

Julie French – The ByYouTapestry July 24, 2020 This is my contribution for the ByYouTapestry, a project launched by a London community arts group Stitches in Time. They invited people to stitch their daily life story during the Coronavirus pandemic. The plan is that the individual pieces will be joined together to form a giant, historic textile story … Read more

Linda Connelly, Enamel Artist and Jeweller July 10, 2020 I work with enamel which is the art of fusing glass to metal. This is done in a kiln over multiple firings, although each firing only lasts a minute or two in a kiln at around 800-1000 degrees C. I am really fortunate because my studio is … Read more

Kevin Hutson Woodturner – Life During Lockdown June 24, 2020 Life is quite different for me since lockdown, because l care for my father who is approaching his ninety third birthday, I have been in isolation for several weeks. In normal times I travel most days to my workshop, but now I am at home improving … Read more

Alison Ellen’s’ Lockdown June 11, 2020 I’m writing this after a month spent isolating in lockdown and am settling into a new way of life. For me I think the worst time was the week before lockdown, as this was when all the planned work events were cancelled one after another. Teaching workshops, talks, an open … Read more

Anna’s life in Lockdown May 20, 2020 One month into lockdown and I was almost starting to question my place as a woodturner and whether I ought to perhaps become a gardener instead? I’m green fingered and the English love their gardens so I’d always have work! I must have been only nine or ten when … Read more

Lockdown and Windsor chairs May 14, 2020 Like many businesses, I began the year with exciting plans. I had some great shows booked, my chair making courses were well-subscribed towards the middle of the year and tool sales were coming in steadily. I thought I could identify the main threats to my business. Number one on … Read more