Wed, 21/12/2022 - 14:23
Sarah Skinner is now pleased to announce that at the end of January she will be ready to ‘fledge’ from her studio at Banks Mill. She is renting a ground floor space in Hopkinson’s House, central Wirksworth, a former lead merchant’s house dating from 1631, now run by Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust.
Sarah Skinner runs ARt ChaiRs, a creative approach to reupholstery inspired by the skills and materials of traditional upholstery, she explains: “I sell old chairs and footstools which I have rejuvenated and contemporised using quirky fabric approaches and unique, ‘for the chair’ fabric designs which I have digitally printed.”
Sarah moved into Banks Mill in 2018 and during that time has tapped into a wealth of support including creative coaching which was really important in developing her unique practice. The social media training introduced her to a completely new way of marketing her business and our Peer Support Group has been great for sharing experiences.
Sarah comments: “It has been great to be in a building with many other creative people and their different creative businesses. I’ve also had one to one support from the University of Derby and many networking opportunities. It has been great to welcome students into the studio and benefit from their skills such as marketing, video production and also connect with student residency winners who have brought added spark to the Banks Mill community mix.”
Sarah has just begun the 2022/23 AA2A (Artists Access to Art Colleges) at the University of Derby so will really benefit from access to the workshops, print services and photography studios.
Since being at Banks Mill Sarah has gained in confidence and honed her skills. At Hopkinsons House she will be in a ground floor space with a beautiful window facing out onto the street so she will be able to have a showroom for her work and attract in potential customers.
Sarah concluded: “I’m going to miss Banks Mill, but I’m really pleased to have found such a beautiful space where I can continue to upholster old chairs and a bonus is that I’ll have space to exhibit my work and run workshops.”
To find out more about Sarah’s work visit her website and follow her on Facebook and Instagram