Lansdown Art Studios was once the home of prominent craftsmen, whose work can now be seen at the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace. However, there is still uncertainty about its future after a planning application was made to convert the site into housing. The rich history of the site is now being shared in a campaign to save historic buildings.
It was considered the best architectural decorator in the entire world. They displayed incredible talents there."
Michael Lashford-Spinks (90), a Gloucestershire craftsman, was one among up to 1000 who were skilled in wood, stone, and marble carving as well as wrought Iron, stained glass, and bronze work for H.H. Martyn Ltd.
He is the only remaining craftsman who carved the Speaker's Chair in the House of Commons.
He said, "I tucked a old betting slip with mine on it into the chair’s woodwork."
"I love to see Prime Minister's Questions, and I smile when the MPs bow down to the chair when they enter and exit the Commons."
H.H. Martyn Ltd was closed in 1971. However, their artwork can still been seen in buildings and royal palaces around the globe.
The firm was contracted to decorate over 100 ship interiors, including RMS Lusitania and Cunard Queen liners. In the staircase's ornate artwork, the Titanic's ill-fated Titanic featured the firm's work.
The company also carved despatch boxes for the Commons and decorations on The Cenotaph, the famous London war memorial.
Lansdown Art Studios was established 25 years ago. They currently occupy the space that used to be H.H.'s drawing office. Martyn.
It is the largest grouping of studios in Cheltenham, with 21 artists, and a significant contributor to the biennial Cheltenham Open Studios.
Tony Davie, one resident artist said that "We are a beacon of the arts in the town."
"History is fascinating. We have just continued the tradition. He said that although we are a group of artists, it used to be a group of craftsmen."
When the community discovered that Cheltenham Borough Council had registered a planning application for the development of the site as housing, they started the campaign "Save our Studios".
"Many people are aware of what's happening. Mr Davie stated that they don't want it happening. "There is a lot of goodwill for the Studios.
"The entire town has come together to save us. We'll wait to see if it has any effect.
The Cheshire Pension Fund owns Lansdown Industrial Estate, where the Lansdown Art Studios are located. A spokesperson for the fund said that Patrizia, the property manager, has applied for planning permission to redevelop a portion of the site into housing for some "dilapidated" units.
According to the spokesperson, "Prior the application for planning permission there were lengthy consultations with the local council to make sure that the scheme was appropriate to the area."
"Patrizia and a local artist's studio are occupying one of the old units on the estate. They are trying to find alternative accommodation, including accommodation on-site.
"Negotiations with the artist's studio are ongoing and we hope that these discussions will lead to a mutually satisfying conclusion."
'Disastrous'
Mike Duckering is the association chair. He stated: "Our primary concern is that these studios which have been established so long ago are now in danger of disappearing. This is very troubling.
"We just continued the art and decorative arts that took place on the site ever since H.H. Martyn first started.
It will be disastrous for artists and the wider Cheltenham arts community.
"Permanently replacing needed employment space with housing is shortsighted and does not consider creating a balanced community."
Young people are particularly dependent on the studio space as they begin their careers.
Susie Olcszak is a lecturer on Fine Art at University of Gloucestershire. She said that it was vital that artists do not leave the community when they graduate.
"Cheltenham's rich history in the arts is a testament to its quality. It also has a strong history of art schools.
"But if our graduates are forced to leave immediately after their graduation, to relocate to Bristol or London, we lose any potential impact.
She said, "Without question artists and creatives contribute a lot to economy and a bunch of other value which isn't money."
These spaces are crucial. We risk losing the rich cultural tapestry.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle calls the House of Commons MPs to order. Mr Lashford–Spinks often watches from Winchcombe.
The Speaker's chair was made of black bean wood from Australia by four joiners shortly after it was destroyed by a bomb during the Second World War.
Experienced carvers used stamp blocks to embosse their names inside.
However, Mr Lashford–Spinks was an apprentice for five year starting in 1947. He did not have a stamp so he kept a betting slip hidden in a crack in his timber.
He still feels proud to have worked for H. H. Martyn.
He stated that he considered it to be the best architectural decorator in the entire world. There were amazing skills.
Cheltenham Borough Council asked artists to participate in a survey about how to maximize opportunities for the town's cultural and arts sector.
Rowena Hay, the leader of the group, stated that she wanted to assure residents that Cheltenham Borough Council was passionate about culture and creativity.
"We all agree that there should be a variety of opportunities to support our young people and help them thrive.
She said that the council was supporting and investing in a variety of artistic projects such as the Minster Exchange or The Golden Valley Development and was therefore duty-bound to evaluate the application.
She added that "The current use, for arts-based uses, of a portion of the site is just one consideration in a larger context."
"This is the loss of employment land, amenity and access, as well as our five-year housing supply."
Each year, the Lansdown Art Studios presents a summer exhibit. Other times, it is open by appointment.
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