About

Open Studios Weekend

At Parndon Mill

Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th September 2024 Open 10am till 5pm

Parndon Mill, Pardon Mill Lane, Harlow CM20 2HP 

About

Over twenty studios in this idyllic setting will open their doors to offer an insight into the creative process, as well as the opportunity to participate in some.  

Open Studios offers a chance for members of the public to see the amazing diversity of talent and skills that are nurtured at Parndon Mill. In addition to the fine arts of painting and sculpture, there is craftwork in glass blowing, glass fusion, stained glass, textiles, calligraphy, ceramics, stone letter carving, jewellery & printing.  The artists, craftspeople and designers are available to talk about their work and to demonstrate their techniques. There are also opportunities to “have a go” at some of the crafts; glass blowing is especially exciting and results in many visitors taking away a bauble or a vessel! 

Parndon Mill would like to extend a huge thanks to Raytheon UK and their amazing staff who have given over 500hrs of hard graft to paint the Stable building, gates, bridges and the 21 metre raised walkway on the towpath opposite, in order to get Parndon Mill ready for Open Studios.

They would also like to take this opportunity to thank the few hundred kind people who filled in visitor experience questionnaires at previous Open Studios. This is crucial for arts development in the County, and also helpful in delivering a better experience for the future. Responses to the event were overwhelmingly positive, and it was wonderful to see visitors relax by the canal after finishing the trail of over 20 different artist's studios. Here are just a few of the many comments that have been received over the years:

'This is the most inspirational place in Harlow.'
'Fantastic! Exciting and creative work happening so wonderful for the local community to be able to share it & be inspired.' 
'This is a wonderful day. The studios are beautiful and inspirational. My two children (4 & 7) were very interested. The artists and craftspeople all spoke to them with enthusiasm.'
'We've had a fantastic afternoon, looking at beautiful objects and speaking to very talented and friendly artists. Thank you!'
'Amazing diversity! We did not know you existed! An interesting 'venue' in its own right'
'Fantastic opportunity to experience the wealth of arts and creativity in your local area.'
'Excellent selection of creative arts & crafts. Hoping to join a few classes and workshops.'
'We love the opportunity to introduce the children to such a wide range of arts.'
'Beautiful setting. Important art and business base for local businesses, adding tremendous value to Harlow.'
'I liked the drawing tent' (Ben, aged 4). 'I liked doing the clay and the colouring' (Fred, aged 8). 

About Parndon Mill

Just to the east of Roydon, on the edge of Harlow and beside the River Stort, you'll find Parndon Mill, a hub of creativity. Exhibitions, sales of art from the resident artists, events, classes and workshops all take place within this historic mill - in beautiful surroundings. Since the sixties it has been occupied by artists and craftsmen who have gradually restored the premises.

Parndon Mill provides workspace for artists, craftspeople, designers and architects who have the opportunity to share ideas and use their different skills to collaborate on creative work. They also run classes to pass on their skills.

Find out more about the history of Parndon Mill here.