Hirst to turn factory into art (From Stroud News and Journal)

Hirst to turn factory into art

BAD BOY of art Damien Hirst is set to turn a derelict Stroud factory into an arts production studio and gallery.

The controversial artist's company Resign has been given planning permission to turn the former Automold premises in Dudbridge into a studio with storage space and gallery.

The 13,350 sq metre site in Dudbridge Road, has been empty since plastics manufacturer Automold left two years ago.

Hirst, 40, who is famous for preserving animal carcasses in formaldehyde, already has a workshop in Chalford.

He recently bought Toddington Manor near Winchcombe.

Cllr Elisabeth Bird, Stroud District Council's cabinet member for culture, was thrilled about the news.

"I am absolutely delighted that he's chosen again to have premises here," she said.

"He's very supportive of the arts as a whole.

"I think Stroud has always been an arts area and now it's being recognised even more.

"We are trying to boost the arts economy as a whole."