I recently heard about an artists’ space called West Street Loft, in Shoreham by Sea, and went along to yesterday’s open studio for a look. I took the 700 coastliner from Worthing and enjoyed views of the wild and windy sea from the top deck of the bus, and reached Shoreham in less than half an hour. I found West Street with no trouble and soon arrived at the studio space of a local artistic community. It felt warm and welcoming, and not just because of the cold and wet outside.
I really like being in workshops and studios. There’s a feeling of organised chaos, with materials and equipment all over the place, an honesty about the often mucky processes of making stuff. About a dozen people have spaces here, on the ground floor, including painters Angela Edwards, Karin Hay-White and Geoff Lowe, ceramicist Jane Abbott, jewellery makers Sheila Way and Aron Salanson, mosaic artist Pauline Hudson Ford, designer Amy Baudet of Salt House Interiors and Jennifer Hilverkus of Cockles Candles, who was at work creating aromatherapy candles that gave the place a blissful scent.
On a visit like this, there’s a chance to see original works of art, craft and design, and to speak to the makers who are keen to welcome visitors and talk about their work. You can chat, browse and buy, or just look around and soak up the creative atmosphere. As well as the studios, West Street Loft offers various events and activities in the exotic space upstairs, including courses in arts and crafts, health and fitness classes and cinema evenings.
West Street Loft studios are open every second Saturday of the month (coinciding with the local farmers’ market) from 10am to 3pm.