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.
Hopewell Studios
‘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:
“It’s a lifelong passion”.
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.
“Once you know about how film photography works you can work with it really creatively. It’s just a tool, same as a chisel, a paintbrush or pencil. You can let your creativity flow and if you teach it properly it’s accessible to anybody.”
Read more:
- Knaresborough photographer hoping to change perceptions of autism
- Image gallery: Knaresborough Camera Club showcases its work
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.
“That’s why I still like teaching it. It’s real and tangible. We see so many images today. One every second on Facebook. You’re looking and not seeing them.”
Edward Webster in the darkroom
Photographer Alex Heron helps out with social media and web design for the studio. She added:
“Film’s had a resurgence. It’s a huge thing now for young people who are so into shooting film. It’s cool and trendy.”
‘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:
“It’s about coming in here and enjoying the magic”
Mr Webster used salt printing to reproduce our logo.
