Embrace your creativity at Royal William Yard this autumn!

This autumn is set to be one of discovery and creativity, as Royal William Yard’s Autumn of Arts makes its welcome return this month. Visitors will have plenty of opportunities to embrace their creative side with a packed calendar of events and activities, from exhibitions and workshops, to open studios and performances.

Kicking off the creative calendar, visitors can check out work from some of the best local and international talent as Plymouth Art Weekender returns to the Yard. Celebrating the city’s status as a top cultural destination, people of all ages will also have opportunities to get involved and create their own masterpieces, as well as visiting a range of open studios, one-off projects and exhibitions.

With 30 artists and makers based at Ocean Studios, the public will be able to explore their work, as every studio opens its doors to visitors. And resident Yard arts and craft hub, Ocean Studios and Make at 140, will get the creative juices flowing throughout the autumn, with workshops to suit all ages and abilities, including calligraphy, dress making, life drawing, screen printing and ceramics.

Capturing the imagination of its guests on every visit, Royal William Yard is already known as Plymouth’s cultural quarter and a place of collaboration, innovation and talent. Home to some of the region’s leading creative organisations, artists and local businesses, the Yard is one of the top art destinations in the South West.

The creative spirit is celebrated in every corner of the Yard, with some of the South West’s most celebrated artists, makers and designers calling it home, including famed expressive abstract painter, Martin Bush. Another Yard resident, Identity Fashion – a luxury fashion boutique, selling handmade homeware, ceramics and womenswear – will give visitors the opportunity to create their own jewellery at its in-house workshops.

Art lovers can also extend their visit to the Yard by booking a stay at the destination’s boutique hotel, Rooms by Bistrot Pierre, located in one of the Yard’s most iconic Grade II listed buildings, Residence One. Offering breathtaking views across Firestone Bay, guests can fully immerse themselves in the culture of the Yard, putting their feet up in style after a busy day of exploring.

Hailey Cattle, Regional Marketing Manager, Royal William Yard said: “The Yard has always been a destination that thrives on creativity, discovery and new experiences. It is fantastic to be able to promote the people, artists and organisations who put Plymouth on the cultural map. With the return of Plymouth Art Weekender and a calendar packed with workshops, events and exhibitions, we are inviting everyone to explore their creative side this Autumn.

“The Yard is a place open to everyone of all ages, and with so much on offer over the coming months, it provides the perfect day out for all the family. Whether you want to learn a new craft at one of our many workshops or check out the amazing work by leading local artists, there will be something new to discover and experience at the Yard.”

Royal William Yard’s Autumn of Arts Calendar Highlights

Plymouth Art Weekender: 27^th – 29^th September

Returning for its 5^th year, Plymouth Art Weekender will be making its return to the Yard, with some of the destination’s most iconic buildings opening their doors and inviting people of all ages to get creative. Celebrating visual arts, the weekend is set to be packed with events and activities, perfect for budding young creatives or for seasoned art enthusiasts looking to learn and hear from some of the city’s top talent.

Visitors can expect open studios, one-off projects, exhibitions and workshops, and resident art hub Ocean Studios will be opening all of its building in celebration of the city’s status as an iconic art destination.

To find out more visit: https://plymouthartweekender.com/paw19/

Ocean Studios: September onwards

For anyone looking to learn a new craft or skill, then schedule in a visit to Ocean Studios this Autumn. With a packed calendar of events and workshops, the art hub is the perfect place for all the family to get creative. Open to everyone and for all ages and abilities, just some of the weekly workshops include jewellery making, floristry, photography, calligraphy and ceramics, with makers tables for both adults and children.

To find out more about what’s on at Ocean Studios visit: https://oceanstudios.org.uk/

Make at 140: September onwards

Based at Ocean Studios, Make is the perfect spot for craft lovers, offering a range of workshops, from knitting and dress making to cushion making and crochet. Suitable for all ages and abilities, Make also offers children’s sewing workshops. Make also runs a studio shop at Ocean Studios, where you can pick up unique fabrics, sewing kits and handmade crafts – perfect for those looking for a gift with a difference.

To find out more about Make at 140 visit: https://www.makeat140.co.uk/

Martin Bush: September onwards

Calling the Yard his home since 2004, Martin Bush is one of Plymouth’s most celebrated contemporary expressive abstract artists. His paintings reflect the evolution of Plymouth, with stunning waterscapes and colourful canvases. Located in the Yard’s Guardhouse, his studio doubles up as a gallery and visitors are invited to come and discover his latest works.

To find out more about Martin Bush, or to book an appointment visit: http://www.martinbush.co.uk/

Rooms by Bistrot Pierre at Residence One

Make sure you have enough time to check out everything the Yard has to offer by booking a stay in its boutique hotel, Rooms by Bistrot Pierre. Located in the stunning Grade II listed Residence One building, just across the green from Bistort Pierre restaurant where guests can enjoy morning breakfast, the hotel is the ideal place to rest after a busy day exploring the Yard. It is also the perfect spot to rest weary feet after checking out the art from some of the city’s top talent during Plymouth Art Weekender.

To find out more or to book a stay visit: https://www.bistrotpierre.co.uk/rooms/