I refinish vintage furniture to a high standard. Making unassuming, outdated pieces relevant again so they stylishly fit in with modern-day interiors.
Each piece of furniture is personally sourced and handpicked by me, only choosing pieces that have the potential to be fabulous. Sometimes they need a little renovation to make them function perfectly again and after extensive prep work, I create and hand-paint a design that suits and enhances the piece. My inspiration comes from everywhere, a tile in an old church to a pattern on someone's T-shirt, I'm constantly taking pics of random items and colours. The final step is to find the piece a new home, where possible I will deliver because I love to see where it is going and the new owner's reaction. It's so satisfying to save furniture from landfill and know it is going to be used and loved for many years to come.
I have a tendency to veer towards bold and colourful designs and work exclusively with professional products to create and achieve a sleek and beautiful finish. Do check out my Facebook and Instagram to keep up-to date with my latest work.
My workshop is based in the gorgeous Sussex countryside but the story began many years ago in my living room in Brighton at No 13 hence Room Thirteen!
Please get in touch if you have any questions and I will reply as soon as possible.
Thanks,
Tessa
07983 99 4175
Hi, I'm Adam from season 4 of The Great Pottery Throw Down.
Clay is one of my oldest friends and has got me through some really tricky parts of my life. I love exploring ceramic techniques at my home in Brighton which has led me learning how to fire clay in a microwave oven (firey fun MicroRaku !) miniature wheel thrown pots and glazing with wax resist with its magical movements. I have proudly worked on commissions for RHS Chelsea Flower Show, coffee cup launch for Future Self Coffee/Alfie Deyes and social media campaigns for leading brands. I'm passionate about pottery and helping people getting their first taste working with clay!
My first ever all thrown exhibition is up at Starling Studio and it's entirely miniture pottery thrown on my small ceramics wheel. Throwing has never come naturally to me but throwing small is so much fun and has allowed me to explore shapes and finishes in a cute and managable way. This exhibition of vases is on throughout February and to tie in with Valentines aims to show the LOVE I have for ceramics - the bright colours referencing the small serotonin rush we get from creating something new and the plethora of glazes and finishes to show that ceramics is all about having fun and exploration.
Find more small pottery vases to buy with different glaze finishes on
If you are interested in a specific piece in the window take a picture and send it to
and we can get back to you.
‘I am here to transpose silence.
My art gives form to the silently lived sensations of alienation, loneliness and often paralysing effects in the plight of displacement. Resonating with my own struggle of being uprooted, my sculptures are my tactile language to explore my relationship with place as a displaced person. It gives me permission to express whilst staying silent.
The sculptures are formed by the intentional amalgamation of two materials, leather and clay. A marriage that happened organically as I embraced their contradictions: with leather, every step must be planned and measured, while clay is malleable and highly impressionable. I progress with the cross fertilisation of techniques, weaving and pulling clay as if it was leather, and treating leather as if it was a material with fluid characteristics. All the while pushing each material into uncomfortable positions with palpable tension. This process mirrors our struggle and discomfort to adapt in a so-called new home.
The result of this performative act are highly textural sculptural forms where the two contrasting materials are effortlessly entangled. In its juxtaposition, clay embraces leather and leather leads clay to find a new shape and identity. As we ruminate over these forms, we may eventually lose all sense of the materiality and ultimately sit with the transposed silence, a new language that gives a physical form, resonance, and hope to the muted struggles of displacement. More pointedly, it gives us the permission to stay silent, all the while expressing these overwhelming feelings.’
07879786899
Martha Mitchell Design works from Albert Mews Studio in Hove, where she draws amazingly detailed fine-line images of famous icons, places, foodstuffs, sporting activities etc with a 0.005 pen! These miniature drawings are then applied to fine bone china, textiles, paper and other materials. Her City ranges include her ever popular Brighton, Lewes and Worthing ranges, plus London, Liverpool and Scottish themed products.
Martha’s product range is extensive, from fine bone china mugs and jugs and 100% cotton tea-towels and aprons, to baby grows, badges, prints and stationery. We particularly love her tile frames of 9 or 16 individual small tiles depicting individual drawings of city scenes and icons.
The window will be on display until the end of November so make sure you pop by and take a look at all the amazing pieces on display!
All products are available to buy from the window. Please contact Martha directly on
Curated by Benjamin from The Big Forest. This autumnal window features local artists including Lauren Hayes, Jane Looker Flowerpress, Lisa Dear, Kay Train & The Big Forest.
All work is available to buy, please contact the maker directly. Please read below more information about each artist.
Lauren Hayes
Lauren Hayes has been using paper as a chosen medium for 10 years, meticulously crafting intricate artworks ranging from 3D sculptures to framed reliefs. With a keen eye for detail, she hand cuts and
assembles each piece with a scalpel and needlework scissors. Drawing from a profound connection to the natural world, her creations are inspired by the elegance ot corals, seaweeds, and flora. These organic forms fuel her passion for repetitive patterns and opulent textures found in nature. She enjoys experimenting with different forms of paper manipulation including scoring, piercing, folding and fringing. Each piece she creates is made up of hundreds of components and is then assembled in layers.
To purchase email: lauren-hayes@outlook.com
TheBigForest
Benjamin's work has featured in lifestyle magazines and websites and craft publications. Each piece is unique and handmade using beautiful wool felt.
To purchase, insta message: @thebigforest or Email: thebear@thebigforest.co.uk
Jane Looker Flowerpress
The flowers have been lovingly picked, pressed and photographed by Jane Looker in a process unique to her. The prints add a beautiful pop of colour wherever they are hung and will also look beautiful in a set.
To purchase message @janelooker or email: Janelookerphoto@gmail.com
Lisa Dear
Lisa’s basketmaking practice has come from a life spent living on the wilds of Britain travelling with horses and wagons. Along her travels, she made her first willow basket sitting around a fire on the chalk hills of Dorset. The potential to create a useful, meaningful vessel with natural and organic materials captivated her. Since then, to create a living in a sustainable and environmentally sound way has been integral part of her life. Bringing together the tactile and visually beautiful qualities of willow, Lisa’s aim is to produce baskets for everyday use, which enhance the act of carrying or storing, collecting and foraging.
To purchase email: lisa.m.dear@gmail.com
Kay Train
After a 10 year career in the fashion industry, Kay made the decision to follow a lifelong dream of becoming an illustrator. She is inspired by nature, people and her surroundings. All of Kay’s work is hand drawn and is primarily in digital format and she has recently ventured into ceramic art. Kay has illustrated several bestselling published books, and her work has featured in national publications.
To purchase email: kay@kaytrain.com
Three groups who use the studio on a weekly basis, have come together to display their brilliant artwork in our window for the month of September.
It’s so lovely to be able to see what these three groups get up to during their classes, so please do come and take a look! Have a read of how they formed and what their groups are all about -
The ARTlings Tuesday group was formed mainly from pupils of Barbara Spurr who ran painting classes on Monday and Friday mornings at the Havelock Road studio. When Barbara died in 2018, many of her pupils carried on hiring the studio on a Tuesday afternoon to paint together as well as supporting and positively criticising each others work. Once a month those pupils who want to, take a class on various themes - an artist’s work, abstract painting or how to use a certain media etc.On several occasions art tutors have taken classes with the group for a short period. Emily Jolley took water colour classes and Jing Wang taught methods of painting with Chinese inks. The group members all have completely different styles of painting and are very supportive and enthusiastic about the art that is produced.
On Wednesday afternoons, a small group meet up at Starling for 1 to 2 hours of art tutoring provided by Clare Gravenell. Clare teaches the basics of painting and then guides students as they practice using a variety of materials including watercolours and acrylics. The skill levels and experience of the group are varied. Some have only had school art training for GCSE/A level whilst others have had a little more formal training. The main thing they all have in common is a huge enthusiasm for painting and drawing and for sharing ideas and tips. The group is at capacity at present but if anyone is interested in joining at a later date, please contact Starling Studio.
Augusts window was full of gorgeous products from 12 local designer makers.
All of these incredible makers will be part of our Summer Pop Up Shop on the 19th & 20th August. Make sure you take a look at the window exhibition to get an idea of what will be filling our pop up shop in a few weeks time.
We will have work from Scarlett Sky, AndMash, Martha Mitchell Design, Palomita, Laura Danby, The Big Forest, Holly Swain, Lume Lighting, The Pigeon’s Nest, Toba Jewellery, Throw To Fire & Pinki Jones
I am interested in how my own memories and experiences of nature shape my work, and enjoy the freedom that painting gives to expressing my thoughts and feelings. I also aim to share moments of collective connections to memories of places and time spent in nature.
Through painting I capture light, colour, texture, beauty, strength, and fragility of the natural world.
I approach the creative process intuitively, creating expressions of the environment, aiming to present work that promotes an appreciation of the earth and its resources and conservation. The work is semi abstract, expressive, mixed media and original paintings.
In contrast to my abstract work, recently I have been drawn to paint the joy and ephemeralness of flowers.
07795903186
I’m a potter conveniently living in Havelock Road.
I’ve been throwing pots on the wheel for some years and decorate the stoneware with textured slip stained with manganese oxide.
The porcelain ware is also thrown on the wheel with a buttery glaze and decorated with Cobolt oxide in gradated tones. Some are incised to enhance transparency.
All the work is on sale and priced specially for this local exhibition. You can purchase pieces by contacting me on the phone number or email address below describing the one you’d like, and I will be happy to deliver locally in Brighton and Hove. I hope you enjoy perusing.
Gavin Nettleton
Tel: 07544250680
Email: gavin.nettleton@ntlworld.com
The Brighton Etsy Team took over the gorgeous Starling Studio on Havelock Road for AOH 2023. The team were thrilled to be able to use Starling Studio throughout May, to exhibit work from the extremely talented local designer makers.
The Brighton Etsy Team is the biggest UK Etsy Team, run by a group of volunteers, with the aim to support small local creative sellers on the Etsy platform, to make connections with customers and fellow creatives, and take part in events, like Artist’s Open Houses.
They were delighted to be hosting work from;
My Papercut Forest - Personalised Paper Art, Unique Paper Gifts & Papercuts
Laura Danby - Statement Jewellery, Patterned Homewares & Gifts
The Pigeon’s Nest - Creative Crochet Kits, Patterns, Homewares and Apparel
Lume Lighting - Beautiful Bespoke Handmade Lighting
Martha Mitchell Designs - Distinctive Miniature Hand Drawn Art Prints and Homewares
Palomita Jewellery - Statement Jewellery Inspired by Peruvian Heritage
Uschie - Gorgeous Art Prints, Stationery and Ceramics
I Like Cats - Playful Cat Themed Gifts, Apparel and Homeware
Holly Swain Store - Illustrated Cards and Gifts
Pine and Bear - Outdoorsy Gifts for Adventurous Families
Hello Terry - Bold Handmade Contemporary Jewellery
Aeyglom - Beautiful Pastel Porcelain Tableware
AndMash - Geometric Vintage Inspired Travel Art Prints and Homewares
The Flat of Kat - Fun Apparel for Superheroes, and their Parents
Wild Whiskers - Woodland Illustrated Homewares and Apparel in Sumptuous Fabrics
PinkiJones - Colour Clash Joy in Art and Apparel
Bella & Phoenix - Educational and planet friendly kids clothing + prints
Matt found his way into photography following his desire for a creative pursuit and the 21st Birthday gift of a Canon film camera.
Self-taught in the film photography era has left an enduring mindset into the digital era; and that is to make each exposure count. Quantity over quality is never desirable.
In 2016, having lost his soul & health in the world of IT / financial services, Matt changed course and has since pursued his passion as a landscape photographer.
The Sussex Coast & South Downs has shaped his photography along with a desire for soul, simplicity and a sense of place in the Sussex landscape.
Following a Crohn’s diagnosis Matt’s career in financial services was cut short. His love of photography and the outdoors has been the silver-lining that shone through the difficult times since. Heading out with his camera affords not only the happiness the Sussex coast brings but also escapism; removing all distractions and becoming lost in the moment. The sense of peace and tranquillity affords a fresh perspective and a more appreciative view of the world around us.
“In this day and age technology has removed global barriers and made it easier than ever to remain connected with others. Matt believes, in spite of technology, that the time and space to connect with ourselves and our surroundings is a precious commodity that’s becoming more easily overlooked. Taking time for ourselves offers a clearer view of the here and now where moments of peace and tranquillity can be found – something we all need a little more of.”
https://mattgoddardphotography.co.uk/ info@mattgoddardphotography.co.uk
07920 038501
At Lume we are passionate about lighting and believe that everybody should have lights in their home that they love!
Lume lighting is the work of Joanna Corney, a maker and designer who has run her homeware business for several years now. Lume was born through Joanna's passion for creating bespoke handmade lampshades.
Lume lighting is based in a small sunny studio at the bottom of Albert Mews in Brighton & Hove, UK. All of our lights are carefully handmade in our studio in Hove and we are able to make a variety of styles of lampshades, including traditional soft shades, contemporary drum and tampered lampshades, as well as pendant and fairy lights.
Lume offers a bespoke made to order and recovering service too, meaning you can have your lampshade made to your favourite style and fabric.
Joanna currently runs lampshade making workshops in a variety of venues throughout Brighton and Hove and can even put on lampshade making parties in a venue of your choice.
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www.lumelightong.co.uk, hello@lumelighting.co.uk, Tel: 01273723116
I draw with calligraphy pens and scissors – taking the ‘3D’ line on a playful journey, feeling rhythm, flow, movement, pattern and balance to communicate enjoyment of what is around us – the ordinary mixed with the Brighton vibe!
To make my prints I select drawings to collage from my stacks of black sketchbooks, juxtaposing elements until they sit just right. Layers of colour are applied to bring light, vivacity and joy, allowing the lines to have movement and not be just mere edges.I print on velvety top quality Hahnemuhle archival (non-fade) 308gsm paper using Canon archival quality pigment inks in signed limited editions. This technique is also known as archival giclee.
I often exhibit in Brighton Open Houses and art fairs such as The Makers Fair held at St Augustines Art Centre, Stanford Avenue. I also do commissions and sell my work on line, take a look at www.helenjholroyd.bigcartel.comand Instagram HelenJHolroyd printsOriginally from Halifax, I came to Brighton to do my degree in illustration and stayed! I also did my MA in illustration at St Martins and Brighton University. I have been a regular contributor to many national publications such as newspapers, magazines, publishers and design consultants. I have also enjoyed teaching at degree and HND level and here at Starling Studio.
email helenjholroydprints@icloud.com
Exotic birds, tigers and flowers fill my pictures. I turn my original gouache illustrations into cards and limited edition giclee prints. I love creating something from nothing and simply making up a scene or composition, and it's joyful or funny, all the better. My colour obsession and love of strong colours is long standing. I remember when I was a child my mum would refer to certain colours as 'delicious or 'edible'- certain pinks and oranges and the deep Biba purples, and I completely relate to that. I definitely have that gene! When I was 18 my big brother took me to India with him, and I will never forget bombing through Rajasthani dessert on the roof of a bus and seeing groups of women in the most beautiful brightly coloured saris and how those colours sung out from the vast landscapes. It's that vibrant colour I always go back to. Whether creating chatting birds, cheeky tigers, decorative places, or vases or cheerful flowers. I find myself smiling when I'm painting. I hope my art brings colour and joy to you!
All enquiries: 07719298333
This series of work continues to explore the surrounding areas of Brighton; through surface, symbol and mark making.
This year I have spent many hours walking the dog on Southwick beach, and have been absorbed by the colours, lines and marks in the landscape here.
These are all original mixed media work on paper.
If you would like to purchase any of the work seen here, please contact me directly on: sambeckbrighton@gmail.com, Tel 07717811850
Instagram: @sam_beck_art
I also have a selection of work available as unframed limited edition giclee prints available via my etsy shop@ www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SamBeckArtStudio
Laura Darling is an artist and writer from Brighton, Sussex. She uses oil paint and mark making in charcoal and pencil to capture atmosphere, space and silence. This pop up exhibition; Small, still, life is a series of small paintings of fruit and small everyday objects, focusing on light and setting the objects in their space, sometimes alone, sometimes as a gathering of objects that affords a glimpse into another’s domestic life. Laura exhibits in Sussex and London and has recently graduated from the Art Academy in London where she studied painting. Her work is in collections at home and abroad.
www.lauradarlingart.co.uk Instagram: @lauradarlingart www.lauradarlingart.com
Kirsty’s photographs are inspired by the nature she finds around her, including Burstead Woods, Stanmer Park and the crows on Shoreham Beach. She enjoys abstracting her subject matter to take on new ghostly forms.
Email: kirsty-e-edwards@hotmail.co.uk Instagram: kirsty_edwards_
Jemma is a local artist living in Fiveways, Brighton She has a BA in Fine Art: Painting from the University of Brighton and Art & Design PGCE from Goldsmiths College, University of London. Jemma has exhibited extensively over the last twenty years including most recently with Saatchi Art at The Other Art Fair. She has had paintings published in Tatler, House & Garden and The World of Interiors magazines. She is an A-level Art and Photography teacher and is currently studying for a Masters in Photography at the University of Brighton. Her work is concerned with ideas around what it is to be female, her paintings shift between what is seen and what is felt, somewhere between control and defeat.
JOHN HAYWOOD:
I’m a passionate watercolour painter of landscapes, cityscapes, and interiors
I love the immediacy of watercolour and its infinite magical subtleties. In my mind, there is no better medium for capturing the often fleeting play of light across a scene.
An energetic, bold directness characterises my approach to painting. I don’t seek to create an exact representation but try to capture and evoke a distinctive sense of mood, drama, and atmosphere.
You can see more of my work on my website: brusheswithwatercolour.com or on Instagram: @brusheswithwatercolour.
To enquire about any of the paintings on display at Starling Studios or on the website, please email me at brusheswithwatercolour@gmail.com
ELLIE HIPKIN:
Art Inspired by nature from coastal to landscape. Bring nature's atmospheric colours, forms and patterns to your home.
My style of painting has developed using a mixture of textile painting, with monoprinting (using seed heads, grasses and any other things we find during our walks) and adding texture with applique, free motion and hand embroidery. Inspired by the beautiful scenery in Sussex I mainly present landscapes and seascapes creating a sense of calm, mood and atmosphere from nature. Foraging and beach combing for pebbles, seed heads and grasses, I use these finds to inspire the embroidery detail within the paintings. Often leaving the threads to hang free, the embroidery brings movement and depth to the painting. At times adding a little hand embroidery to to create further texture.
If you are interested in any of the artworks in the window Please contact me on hello@elliehipkinart.com or visit www.elliehipkinart.com.
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STARLING STUDIO - 107 HAVELOCK ROAD - BRIGHTON
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