THE FULL STORY
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The community of artists moved to Butley in early 2003, setting up a bronze foundry,
establishing a home for the group and encouraging new artists to get involved. The studios
are located in the depths of rural Suffolk, at the head of Butley Creek, an area of
outstanding natural beauty. The original site was an old grain store that has been converted
into 16 studios for multidisciplinary artists to rent, with a working bronze foundry central to
its activities. Studio members include bronze sculptors, a stone carver, steel sculptor,
painters and ceramicists, making it a diverse and vibrant centre. An annual Open Weekend
for the public to visit is hugely popular and some of the artists run regular workshops.
The Clock House Arts Association is renowned for encouraging students and artists to visit,
learn about bronze casting, do work experience or join residencies at Butley Mills Studios.
One of the missions of the charity is encouraging emerging artists - past successes include
Laurence Edwards, who has now moved on to found his own studios and is extremely well
known.
Butley Mills Studios is run by the Clock House Arts Association, a registered charity (Charity
No: 293804) established in 1985 to provide affordable rent for artists and an interface with
the public for cultural and artistic education.
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