From 11am - 5pm on 13th & 14th September 2025,

EVENT REPORT

What a fabulous weekend, despite the slightly precarious weather!

A big thank you to all our wonderfully appreciative visitors, our volunteer teams on Gallery, Catering, Parking and general support.

I have to commend our creative practitioners for putting on a great show for public enjoyment and inspiration. I passionately believe that facilitating a mission like this is a privilege and an important contribution to a healthy community.

Twenty-eight studios in this idyllic setting opened their doors to offer an insight into the different creative processes, as well as the opportunity to participate in some.  We now have 40 artists and craftspeople resident in Parndon Mill  making this a true hub of creativity!

Open Studios offers a chance for members of the public to see the amazing diversity of talent and skills that are nurtured here at Parndon Mill. In addition to the fine arts of painting and sculpture, there is craftwork in glass blowing, glass fusion, stained glass, glass mosaic, textiles, calligraphy, ceramics, stone letter carving, jewellery & printing.  The artists, craftspeople and designers were available to talk about their work and to demonstrate their techniques. There were also opportunities to “have a go” at some of the crafts; glass blowing is especially exciting resulting in many visitors taking away a bauble or a vessel!

We also were able to witness the opening of Gemma Smale’s wood fired kiln.

This is a new feature of her classes here and the results of wood ash glazes and reduction firing can be quite stunning, albeit also unpredictable to a degree so there is always excited anticipation of results!

Heading for 1200 degrees! If you have any wooden pallets you don’t need we’d be very grateful as they are perfect kiln fuel!

Our Summer Exhibition of local artists in The Gallery and a showcase exhibition exclusively of Parndon Mill’s resident artists ‘Evidence’ in the Project Space were much admired..

Tea, Coffee & Cakes on the lawn in front of the Mill,. served by Carolina and her team, kept everyone refreshed and able to climb the stairs!

Harlow Scouts directed traffic and helped park hundreds of cars. They do this for free to help our Charitable arts mission. If you’d like to donate to the Scouts please visit their website https://www.harlowscouts.org.uk/

What people say about their visit:

“Amazing creativity & work from the artists. This is a very special place”'

“This is the most inspirational place in Harlow.'

“I love Parndon Mill. I have done many classes here and the open day is wonderful”

'Fantastic! Exciting and creative work happening so wonderful for the local community to be able to share it & be inspired.'

'This is a wonderful day. The studios are beautiful and inspirational. My two children (4 & 7) were very interested. The artists and craftspeople all spoke to them with enthusiasm.'

'We've had a fantastic afternoon, looking at beautiful objects and speaking to very talented and friendly artists. Thank you!'

'Amazing diversity! We did not know you existed! An interesting 'venue' in its own right'

'Fantastic opportunity to experience the wealth of arts and creativity in your local area.'

'Excellent selection of creative arts & crafts. Hoping to join a few classes and workshops.'

'We love the opportunity to introduce the children to such a wide range of arts.'

'Beautiful setting. Important art and business base for local businesses, adding tremendous value to Harlow.'

'I liked the drawing tent' (Ben, aged 4). 'I liked doing the clay and the colouring' (Fred, aged 8).

IF YOU’D LIKE TO LEAVE US SOME FEEDBACK WE’D LOVE TO HEAR IT

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/qr_code/YWWP89Q 

There are always other opportunities to participate in our arts programme each year. Just keep an eye on our events page and classes page.

Some of our artists are offering classes in a wide range of disciplines. Some are single sessions for a morning or afternoon; others are one, two or three day courses. Beginners are very welcome, as are those who wish to extend their skills. It will be a great opportunity to have a go at something new, with excellent teaching in a beautiful setting!