History Of Patchings Art Centre
"Once tumble down farm buildings now house a thriving art centre"
BBC TV News
The development of Patchings has been gradual. It would be easy to suggest that the growth and expansion of the centre had been based upon careful planning. Unfortunately, as is often the case, it has been circumstance that has been beneath the changes and development. Opportunities occur and there is a choice to be made, as often there is no second chance. Patchings Farm, the original name of the farm, had been redundant for a number of years; the dilapidated buildings were used for storing materials and machinery on the surrounding land.
The opportunity to purchase the buildings came in 1988 and brother and sister, Liz and Chas Wood, establish a partnership, with Chas’s wife Pat and friend Frank Boneham. Liz, already an established artist in oils, saw the potential in the buildings and knowing the owners, began negotiations for the purchase. With this came the dawning of the dream of establishing a centre for the enjoyment of art. Following a lot of hard work over the winter of 1987/88, Patchings Art Centre was opened by Mrs. Betty Lees, the previous owner of the farm in August 1988. The farm buildings, once derelict and dilapidated, were now a Gallery, art and pottery studio, restaurant, framing and art materials shop.
The success of the centre grew quickly supported by an award for the work on the buildings and for creating employment in a rural setting, presented by the Rural Development Commission and Country Landowners Association. In 1990 an opportunity arose to purchase an extra 53 acres of farm land surrounding Patchings – a chance which could not be passed. The ideas of how to use the land developed through the inspiration given by the life of Claude Monet. As an artist, he planted a garden to paint, he favoured painting in the open, observing the different seasonal affects on his subjects and he also enjoyed the friendship and companionship of other artists.
So the development began, creating grounds and gardens to enjoy and paint, even a lake with a "Monet Bridge", a log Pavilion for meeting and art classes and 10 gazebo studios around the site for use by artists. In May 1991, HRH Duke of Gloucester opened the new development.Since then, other opportunities have presented themselves, which has meant a gradual expansion of facilities for the artist and craftsperson, with more for visitors to see and enjoy. An adjoining property became available; this allowed us to develop the three ground floor rooms, self-contained accommodation. These ensuite Garden Rooms provide popular overnight accommodation and are often used in conjunction with Art School Courses, Weddings Receptions and those locally who have friends or relatives visiting. Our local MP, Paddy Tipping, opened the building of a re-cycled log building, known as the Log Cabin, in February 1999. This allows for additional study area for art and the environment particularly with children and young people.
Subseqently various parts of the other adjoining Farmhouse have gradually been developed. Here we now have our Framing Centre, and Farmhouse Studios providing individual workshops for a number of artists. These all provide more for visitors to enjoy, with useful studio accommodation for artists within a setting, which can promote and create interest in their work.
The annual Art and Craft Festival, has been a major part of the growth at Patchings. The Festival seeks to put into action on one occasion the philosophy of the Centre, by demonstrating the enjoyment and pleasure obtainable by being involved in the "arts". This active participation meets many needs and levels of interest, from watching others execute their art, admiring and buying work, as well as having a go through hands on sessions or taking part in more organised courses or workshops. For this year’s Festival we have over 150 of the finest artists and craftspeople from all parts of this country and overseas exhibiting, demonstrating and selling their work. Major art material suppliers and manufacturers are present, with celebrity artists making presentations. An event not to miss, please see the Festival page for more information.
In the growth of Patchings, we have a number of people to thank. We have a close association with the Members and Officers of Gedling Borough Council and Notts County Council. Their co-operation and understanding has always been appreciated. The local community and neighbourhood have seen us come into the area, we have tried to bring a positive influence to the locality, and once again we acknowledge their support. We have had our difficulties and no doubt will continue to do so as we continue to develop. Working within the service industry in a rural setting has additional difficulties as witnessed in generally within the tourism and the countryside over the last twelve months. We will continue to recognise with gratitude the help of those who work with us at Patchings.
Finally the group known simply as "Members". These are our Club Members, who although subscribing to Membership in order to use the facilities and receive tuition, offer and generously give, a great deal of themselves in many ways to help, support and encourage the success of Patchings. The history of Patchings will hopefully continue as a story as the Centre moves on. We trust you will enjoy your visit to our website and hope that we will have the pleasure of meeting you in person in due course.
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