Welcome

Welcome to the homepage of Furzebrook Studios, an exciting centre of creativity in the beautiful Isle of Purbeck, Dorset.

Furzebrook Studios is located in an ‘area of outstanding natural beauty’ near Wareham. You’ll find a diverse range of arts and crafts folk at work – painting, drawing, print making, pottery & sewing.

Primarily, Furzebrook Studios are working studios where the residents work full time in their chosen discipline. Rachel Fooks, our resident potter, is currently mass producing ceramic travel cups in the hope that people will choose to buy them instead of using single use takeaway cups, whilst Anna Tayler, our prolific seamstress, has amazingly just made her 400th dress which will be posted abroad to help a child in Africa. You may have seen a recent article about Anna’a clothing in the Echo

As well as creating lovely things, Furzebrook Studios offers the community an interesting selection of classes to attend. You can learn to (or improve) your drawing and painting skills or have a go at lino-printing with artist Julie Herring. Rachel Fooks does weekly pottery classes as well as ‘one-off’ sessions using both throwing and hand-building techniques. Seamstress Anna Tayler can guide you through using a sewing machine, teach you how to follow a dress-making pattern and many other fun projects. Enjoy making your own jewellery with Luci Wilson.

There’s also a small exhibition space/shop where you can purchase art and craft made at the studios and additionally, events are held throughout the year for you to enjoy.

Explore this website to find out more about the makers, what they do, the classes on offer and the programme of community events Furzebrook Studios have throughout the year.

We’ll look forward to seeing you!

I have been following the ceramics of Rachel Fooks for some time, and am the proud owner of one of her sea inspired sculptures, a couple of vases and a beautiful porcelain glass bottomed bowl! I have visited her at her studio and found it interesting and inspirational to see where she works. Furzebrook Studios is a delightful hidden treasure full of creative energy. I hope to enjoy attending at least one of the classes that they have on offer!

Annie Davis ~ Journalist

I’ve been attending pottery classes with Rachel for a number of years now, and love doing pottery at Furzebrook Studios. The pottery studio is light, well equipped with lots of space to get creative! Rachel creates a wonderfully relaxing and inclusive environment where I have been able to develop my confidence as a potter, as well as make new friends. I’ve loved every minute of it!

 

Wendy Mansell ~ Human Resources Manager