A new artists’ studio, gallery, showroom and workshop will open to the public in Keswick this Saturday.

The Makers Mill, at Greta Side, is the culmination of four years of hard work by Luke Harding and his partner Sophie Wilson to convert the former joiner’s workshop.

It will provide a permanent studio workspace for five artists and makers, as well as areas for the public to view the work of more than 30 Cumbrian artists, and try their hand at making things.

The Makers Mill will also host short art residencies.

The five permanent residents at the venue are Luke, the owner of MOS Bespoke Furniture; Sophie, who grew up in Ennerdale and makes woollen soft furnishings and clothing accessories; jewellery maker Nancye Church; ceramic artist Tonia Gilliatt; and mosaic artist Julie Gibson.

Luke and Sophie have attracted a whole host of Cumbrian artists, designers and makers to run courses at The Makers Mill in the coming months, including willow weaver Phil Bradley, bag maker Emma Redfern, weaver Jan Beadle, glassmaker Roxy Denny, and Julia Evans of Castlerigg pottery.

The first two artists in residence are Celia Burbush, a former Cumbria Artist of the Year, and Hamish McLain, who has delivered art workshops for organisations including Keswick Museum and The Wordsworth Trust.

For more detalis about The Makers Mill and the courses scheduled so far, visit www.themakersmill.co.uk