Artistic trio plea (From Stroud News and Journal)

Artistic trio plea

ONE of the Stroud valleys' ancient mill sites risks falling into disuse again if two local artists and jewellers do not find a third person to make their workshop viable.

Emma Grey and Penny Mitchell have been working at The Clock Tower at Chalford's Bliss Mill for nearly three years.

"It's a unique space," said artist and jeweller Penny Mitchell. "It's great to work in a unique building. We're inspired very much by the idyllic nearby countryside and the light. Both Emma and I work with gemstones, so light and colour are important to us."

"The building's fantastic as well - it makes us willing to get to work. We actually look forward to it. We'd live here if the leaseholder would let us!" she added. " Chalford's a thriving community, artistic and otherwise, with Damien Hirst on one side and Pangolin Editions foundry on the other."

"But we really need one other person to join us or we can't continue here," added Emma Gray. "It would be a great shame, because the mill has been associated with crafts for centuries - it used to be a fulling mill. It would be a shame if it went for office space."

"We put on regular exhibitions as well," added Penny. "We were involved in last year's Open Studios and last put one on around Christmas."

Anyone interested in studio space at The Clock Tower is invited to call either Penny on 07968 329283 or Emma on 07968 979888.