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.

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.”

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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.

“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.

Boulders installed to stop illegal traveller site in Knaresborough

Harrogate Borough Council has said large boulders will be installed at the site on Hay-A-Park Lane to try and prevent future illegal encampments.

The council has said the boulders are a temporary measure.

At the beginning of the month a large number of caravans arrived on Knaresborough’s rugby fields off Hay-A-Park Lane. The travellers were given an eviction notice by the council and left a week later.

A large amount of rubbish and human excrement was left at the site. Local residents called for volunteers to help with the clear-up but they were met by the police and told to stay away because of the threat to human health.

A council spokesperson said the site was cleaned by a group of council staff over “a couple of days” and added:

“There was numerous items of rubbish including furniture and white goods.

“A temporary solution of large boulders will be installed to prevent illegal encampments.”

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The council has not confirmed where the boulders will be placed but it is likely they will be put in the gap between the hedges in front of the gravelled entrance.

No further information was given on permanent measures.

Court action begins to remove travellers in Knaresborough

Harrogate Borough Council said today it is to begin court action to evict travellers from land in Knaresborough.

The council served a 24-hour eviction notice to the travellers five days ago after a large number of caravans arrived on Hay-A-Park Lane.

But the caravans remained on site today. In a statement, Harrogate Borough Council said:

“We will now take action through the courts to regain possession of the land owned by Harrogate Borough Council.”

It is not known how long the court action could take.

Some people have speculated on social media that the travellers will move on for Appleby Horse Fair, which takes place last week.

One local resident told the Stray Ferret some of the travellers appeared to have left and that the remaining caravans were now pitched in the middle of the field.

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