2014

More than 2,000 visitors attended at least one open studio last year. The work of painters, printmakers, sculptors, ceramicists, woodturners, glass artists and jewellers can be perused at leisure. Visitors to Open Studios are welcome to ask questions on techniques and processes, make a purchase or arrange a commission.

Individual artists have different opening days and times, so be sure to check on the site and to follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Particular thanks go to all the businesses and private individuals who have sponsored this year’s programme, and note that new sponsors are always welcome!

Ann Burnham has been a successful designer in publishing, but focuses now on printmaking. Working from her garden studio in Pinner, her prints are inspired by a fascination with the textures and patterns found in both the natural and man-made landscape around us. She is exhibiting with Jane Pomiankowski, a jeweller who uses traditional silversmithing and textile techniques applied to own unique designs.

Ceramic sculptures by Natalie Tobert are influenced by her experience of archaeological excavations in Africa and the Near East, and during fieldwork research in India. She also produces glass dishes and jewellery. Ceramicist Christine Norris produces spherical planters and vases with detailed images of plants. Sculpted lizards, frogs, plants and fish also appear in much of her work.

Thai artist Dow Pichaiwatkomol took up art as a hobby after a serious accident ten years ago. In 2005 ‘I started to walk with a stick and found the confidence to rejoin the classes at the Harrow Art Centre’ she says. She paints animals, landscapes, flowers and figurative work, including life drawing at her studio in North Harrow. “My work shows idealised scenes so that when people look at them they think, ‘I would like to be there’”.

From the Northwood-based artistic Pelham family – with three members exhibiting, to the cluster of five artists – painters, a ceramicist, a jeweller and a wood turner – exhibiting in West Drive, Harrow Weald, there is plenty of variety to engage visitors. The open studios are free and refreshments are usually available.

The exhibition opened on 2 May by Harrow Councillor Jean Lammiman, who helped launch Harrow Open Studios in 2008 when she was Harrow’s mayor. “I have seen Harrow Open Studios go from strength to strength since then” she said, “and this year I am delighted to see that art students from Harrow College are involved”.

The exhibition of work by more than 20 artists was a taster for Harrow Open Studios 2014 where the public are invited to visit artists’ studios throughout the Harrow Borough over two weekends in June.

Artists whose work was included in the Harrow Arts Centre exhibition include Batool Showghi whose haunting work Disguise in mixed media reflects the hidden lives of women in her native Iran.

Graham Barkley produces life drawing and general subjects in oil and pencil, including Arabian scenes, theatrical subjects, architecture and portraits. Pat Griffin paints in oils and watercolour directly from observation and has placed her painting Hollyhock in the exhibition. Suzy Grimshaw is a Pinner-based jeweller who produces both classic and contemporary items, while Helen Foster-Turner produces contemporary silver jewellery inspired by the natural world, Celtic art and tribal designs. Philippa Laughton is a Pinner textile artist, producing handmade abstract pictures inspired by tweed, such as Golden Moon, in the exhibition. Ceramicists exhibiting include Christine Norris, with her Tropical Planter and Zalina Dewan with her Constructed Bowl. The work Natural Form – inspired by Gaudi by Sarah Heydari of Harrow College attracted considerable interest.