If you've been following me on Instagram or via my newsletter you'll know that at the end of last year, I moved from The Spider Studio in Northwood, just outside London, to the edge of the Peak District in the north.
My husband and I have been planning a move north for a long time, having spent long much time up here, either in Manchester and Liverpool for work, or for walking holidays. So it was amazing to finally make that dream come true.
White Nancy, Bollington cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Chris Morgan
We've landed in Bollington, Cheshire, which is a large village on the edge of the western side of the Peak District, in what's called the High Peak. Amazing views up to the hills and local landmarks like White Nancy (pictured), converted mills and old mill workers cottages, and some amazing pubs and walks, which we are yet to exhaust ourselves with. We are also very close to Macclesfield, which is famous for its connection to the silk industry and was known as 'the end of the Silk Road'.I've already met a few local artists and there is an active art scene in Bollington, Macclesfield and nearby towns like Stockport and Buxton.
We were very lucky to find a house with an attached garage that was perfect as a studio! As you'll see, it is painted white, and all set up like a workshop with benches, shelving and a cupboard. It even has a window, something that I didn't have in the last studio!
The place hadn't been used much when we moved in, and I think some motorbike maintenance had been going in here given the colour of the water as I was cleaning the windows and surfaces! But after a good scrub down it's a perfect space to get messy in – and is now ready for visitors.