Courtyard Studios – studio space for artists
Another Artist Resource for you – studio space to rent; a creative home, the place to take your art seriously!
Run by Nicola Hancock, these are lively studios for artists who cherish their everyday practice and the importance of creativity. The studios offer a supportive environment for independent artists who appreciate the exchange that arises from working alongside others.
... the Art Trail is one of the highlights of the studio year and we look our very best in the springtime!
Chichester Art Trail
Where are the studios?
Nicola Hancock
We are based in the South Downs National Park, near Chichester, West Sussex, UK.
Three art studio buildings, set around The Courtyard, nestle into the Sussex Downland at the foot of Kingley Vale, north of the city.
Chichester Art Trail
When and why were the studios established?
Nicola Hancock
Supported by my own practice, and the need to make a creative nest, I established Courtyard Studios nearly ten years ago now. My own willingness to create extended an invitation for the same freedom in others and the studios became a creative hub, attracting artists for open studio events. As other residents left the Courtyard, I rented the surrounding buildings and invited artists to join me.
Now, as well as studio space for our artists, it is also a place of creative exchange and provides an environment in which to access the seat of creativity, both to make art and as a life force.
Chichester Art Trail
What sort of studio spaces do you have available?
Nicola Hancock
We are excited to have finished converting 4 delightful cattle stalls into individual studios/workshops. The spaces are full of character and very inviting to create within. Each has heat, lighting and a sink. There is parking, and access as required. They are ideal for all sorts of creative practice.
Chichester Art Trail
Tell us about the studio environment?
Nicola Hancock
I am at the studio most days and have my own space in one of the main studio buildings. There I have various stations for painting and textile work and a gallery space to show finished work. We sometimes have exhibitions in here too.
Over the way, my husband has his framing studio (very handy) REFRAME – more information in a previous Artist Resource post.
Then there is a large workshop area. Off this, is the little kitchen for artists to make a cuppa or heat their lunch, and two individual artists’ studios.
On the third side of the Courtyard, are the 4 new studio/workshops.
The buildings embrace a somewhat rustic south facing, sunny courtyard. We often work or sit outside in our little patch of South Downs, enjoying the company and countryside.
Chichester Art Trail
Who else works at Courtyard Studios?
Nicola Hancock
Current residents work as painters, sculptors, textile and installation artists. A blacksmith has just joined us, which is great fun. Of course we have our resident framer, and the sculptor, Vincent Gray, works round the corner in his own domain.
We have our studio Golden Retriever, Treacle, and are regularly visited by pheasants, partridges, buzzards overhead, owls in the trees, deer in the field and many swallows bounce around the courtyard in the summertime.
Chichester Art Trail
Anything else?
Nicola Hancock
The artists at Courtyard Studios, of course, take part in Chichester Open Studios Art Trail! It is one of the highlights of the studio year; we look our very best in the springtime and it is also time to celebrate the return of our swallow friends.
Chichester Art Trail
Can artists come and see the available spaces?
Nicola Hancock
Yes certainly. If you are interested in a space, please be in touch to arrange a convenient time to come and see the studios. Here is our address, but do ring or email first.
The Courtyard, Crows Hall Farm
Chilgrove, Chichester
West Sussex
PO18 9HP
email: nhancockstudios@gmail.com
mobile: 07718 134318
You can also visit the studio website to find out more about us.
