out and about :: wandworth artists' open house

Today was an unexpected delight in many ways. Firstly, the sun shone as if it was summer, which was wonderful after the last fortnight of gloom.

Secondly, we spent the day exploring the Putney Artists’ Trail as part of the second weekend of Wandsworth Artists’ Open House, which was a series of multifarious delights unfolding one after another. First stop was The Cottage on Cambalt Road where Sally Scott, Prue Cooper and Gilbert Whyman were exhibiting their work in a gorgeous studio space flooded with natural light.

I absolutely love the sculptural quality of this piece and the bird-like qualities endowed upon it simply through a change of angle. Inspired!

One of the really wonderful things about open house events such as these, is the opportunity to get a peek into not only the place where the work is created, but also the process by which it is created. These sketchbooks showing early workings for many of Sally’s paintings, were a wonderful window into her creative process.

Next we moved onto 1 Charlwood Road, where Gurley, Jayson Lilley, Millie McCullam and Mark Stonehouse were exhibiting.

I couldn’t decide whether I was more excited about the art, the fantastic house showcasing it all, or the cupcakes being baked downstairs…

Next we wondered over to Stratford Grove to see the work of Helen Fickling, Andrew Fickling, Sophie Marsham, Sam Hogg and friends – a wonderful combination of art, photography, vintage finds, jewellery and sculpture.

The we meandered over to Lacy Road to see Margaret Knott, Janet Mays (fellow Friends of Putney School of Art and Design committee members) and Rona Bebb’s work.

I am a huge fan of Margaret’s work (well, of Margaret too if I’m honest!) so it was very exciting to get a sneaky peek behind the scenes at her studio and at work I haven’t seen before.

Next we headed over to another committee member’s house, this time Sheila Roe, whose work includes such wonderfully subtle and often ironic use of mixed media.

I also loved her husband’s pots inspired by striated pebbles, which reminded me of Cornish Blue, but somehow seemed much  more Cornish.

Finally, we made our way to the Old Air Raid Shelter, where Ian Lettice and Tom Whetnall made their home. A fantastic space, which had been unopened for 25 years before Ian found it; it’s now filled with gorgeous paintings and lithographs.

All in all a fabulous day out, which showcased just how much talent there is in Putney. It’s just a shame we only get to see it all once a year.

Further reading for the especially geeky:

• www.facebook.com/fpsad – The Friends of Putney School of Art & Design’s facebook page (run by me!)

(Vested interest alert: I am a member of the committee for the Friends of Putney School of Art and Design.)