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02
Nov 2021
Rural art studio in Knaresborough a hub for creativity and mindfulness
Hopewell Studios in Knaresborough is a unique space in the district that offers a vast array of classes from photography, painting, drawing and floristry to dance.
Creating the studios has been a labour of love for photographer and artist Edward Webster.
He recently converted three sheds on his brother's farm on Hay-a-Park Lane into the space.
Mr Webster wants the rural and rustic setting to encourage not just creativity but wellness and mindfulness too.
'A lifelong passion'
Dotted around the studios are 35mm, medium format and large format cameras. Some date back to the 19th century.
But they are not just ornaments, Mr Webster has rescued and rebuilt them to teach people how to use them. He said:
Photography has never been more instant thanks to smartphones, but Mr Webster wants to demystify film and show that it is accessible too. The studio has what he believes is the only professional darkroom in the district to create high-quality photos.
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When the Stray Ferret visited the studio, Mr Webster printed our logo using a process called salt printing. It's one of the oldest forms of photography and dates back to the 1830s.
Mr Webster still enjoys the "magic" of film.
Photographer Alex Heron helps out with social media and web design for the studio. She added:
'Enjoying the magic'
As well as the indoor studios, visitors can also make the most of a private woodland to use nature and wildlife as a muse.
They are also currently building a kiln to teach ceramics.
Mr Webster said he hopes visitors can find inspiration through traditional artistic processes taught by experienced teachers.
Find out more about classes here.
Mr Webster added:
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