A new creative hub has opened in Newcastle-under-Lyme as artist collective The Block takes up residence at The Barracks.
Previously based in Longton Exchange, in Stoke-on-Trent, the studio brings together four artists working across a range of disciplines, including millinery, circus arts, textile work and large-scale puppet making.
Among the artists now based at The Block is Holly Johnson of HoJo Hattery, a specialist hat-maker known for her bespoke, handmade designs – including a custom design inspired by The Barracks building, created for local musician Average Joe.
Also joining the studio is circus performer and visual artist Eve Travis, part of family business Circus in a Box. Her parents delivered their first circus workshops at The Barracks in 1994 and she now plans to run workshops in circus skills and clowning in the town.
Textile artist Emily Andrews of Bon Tuft and Richard Redwin from Red Thing Creations, who makes giant puppets, complete the quartet, who will be based in units 2 and 3 in the historic Barracks Road building.
All four creatives are associate artists with B Arts, who used to be based in The Barracks before moving to their HQ in Hartshill Road – and they will all be working on the People’s Parade for Stoke-on-Trent’s centenary, set to be held on Saturday, 7 June.
Holly said: “We were keen to move to Newcastle when our two-year lease in Longton came to an end and had looked at a number of spaces before we found the units at The Barracks.
“Newcastle has a rich tradition of hat-making and circus and we are excited to move in and see what we can get involved in.”
Charlie Machin, Projects and Marketing Executive at Newcastle BID, added: “We are so excited to welcome The Block to Newcastle. The Barracks is already a space filled with creativity and history where they’ll fit in perfectly.
“I’m sure they’ll be missed in Longton but we’re really looking forward to seeing what they bring to the town and we’re already thinking about what projects we can work with them on.”
The group plan to hold an open day at The Block later in the year. Follow them on social media for more information.
