Pollyanna Opens New Artist’s Studios

Pollyanna is delighted to have accepted the role of patron to the new artist’s studios in the grounds of Haworth Art Gallery. Pollyanna’s first task in her role as patron was to join forces with the Mayoress of Hyndburn Mrs Melanie Storey to cut the ribbon and officially open the new venue in an official ceremony. Also present at the opening were Mayor Cllr. Tim O’Kane and Pollyanna’s fellow patron Eric Knowles, who earned fame on the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow.

The Grade II listed buildings including the former stables, motor house, petrol store and potting shed have now been transformed into studios and an exhibition space thanks to a Heritage Lottery grant of £552,500.

Cllr Ken Moss, leisure and arts boss for Hyndburn Council, was at the grand opening and said that he was pleased with the backing the project had received. He said: “It is wonderful, we have invested a lot of time into this project and the Heritage Lottery gave the gallery a very large grant. It is now something that can be enjoyed for years to come, it is a long-term investment. There will be lots of events held in the stables and the other buildings, we want to make it a very interactive experience. Eric and Pollyanna are no strangers to Haworth both being patrons of the gallery and to have that kind of support meant an awful lot”.