Down to Business The Studio –Wendy Peck
This month sees the start of a new series of articles entitled “Down to Business”. In this series we will be highlighting the work of shops and businesses that contribute so much to our village life. The Editors.
Occupying a building that was once part of the village workhouse and which was later a sweetshop, The Studio is home to a magnificent collection of affordable, original, contemporary art. Ranging from evocative oil paintings and watercolours, to dainty driftwood sculptures, colourful jewellery and Raku ceramic animals, the shop offers a true cornucopia of unique pieces at surprisingly reasonable prices.
The gallery/shop is run by Wendy Peck who has a studio on the premises. As well as showcasing her own work, Wendy sells carefully selected pieces by some forty to fifty British artists. Furthermore the shop accepts commissions for individual works; Wendy has often been asked to paint a picture of someone’s home or a favourite view such as the lavender fields in the Darent Valley. A picture framing service is also on offer.
Inspired by her mother, who is also an excellent artist, from an early age Wendy was keen to pursue a career involving art - initially training at Brighton College of Art where she obtained an Honours degree in Fine Art. Thereafter she did postgraduate teacher training at the Institute of Education, part of the University of London. Next came a probationary year teaching in South East London then a summer spent encouraging young Americans in the production of arts and crafts at a summer camp in North Carolina. After a number of spells working in schools, Wendy accepted a position in the Art Department of Liberty’s in London.
In 1990 Wendy was finally in a position to be able to rent premises in Otford where she combined setting up her studio with part time work as a teacher. Gradually she began to create a gallery but initially her sales were limited to her own work and that of her friends. Over the years the business has slowly evolved to become a showcase for the wide range of British artistic talent that it is today. Not surprisingly Wendy has many repeat customers who know that, whether for themselves or for someone else, they can always find something to give delight at The Studio. As Wendy says, in a world where so much is mass produced and often ends up in landfill, it is good to be able to create and buy items, made with care, which are both lasting and very individual.
Wendy loves working in Otford and speaks highly of the other friendly and supportive shopkeepers. She also enjoys her summer cycle rides to work down the beautiful Darent Valley; a valley which provides her with artistic inspiration – just as it has done for so many artists and poets in years gone by.
For more information see -
http://www.otfordshopping.co.uk/shops/the-studio Christeen Malan
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