Florence Arts Centre
We are a participatory arts centre located at the site of an old iron ore mine in Egremont. Come on over to explore, make, do, or just relax in the cafe or garden.
This week will be open:
Thursday: 11am - 4pm
Friday: 11am - 4pm
Saturday: 11am - 3pm
Sunday: 11am - 3pm
Open on Wednesday for events and pre-booked courses.
What’s on highlights
Flo’s Summer Fair - Free Entry
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Flo’s Summer Fair brings together the very best of local makers, artists and producers. Expect a carefully curated mix of high-quality artisan stalls, showcasing handmade crafts, natural products and unique local goods.
What’s on:
Art & craft stalls from talented local makers
Food & beverages, with locally sourced options
Family fun & games for all ages
Heritage tours of the Florence Mine
Paintmaking demonstrations – discover how to create pastels using natural pigments
Wildlife garden & trail to explore
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Join Steph at Florence for a glass-making day session! Rather than a selection of smaller pieces, this longer session will give you the chance to make 2 larger panels that are 30cm x 10 cm each. Each panel can be left flat or shaped into curved or wave form, depending on your design and preference.
On this course you will:
- Learn how to use tools to cut and break glass safely
- Understand what happens to glass during the firing process
- Use different forms of glass to create patterns, textures and images
Steph will take the creations away for firing and arrange drop off/collections at a later date.
Fused Glass Workshop - Large Glass Panels - £75
Willow Weaving Workshop - £50
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Join artist Helen Elvin at Florence Arts Centre for a fun and hands-on willow weaving workshop! Whether you're a complete beginner or just looking to unwind and get creative, this session is perfect for you. Helen will guide you through the basics and help you craft something beautiful from natural willow.
£50 for the full day session 10-3pm. Please note £12 is payable in cash on the day to the artist for the cost of materials.
Regular Events
Free!
Thursdays 1pm - 3pm
During Term Time
April 16th - May 21st
Make Space
Free!
11am - 12:30pm
Happens Weekly on Thursdays.
No booking required, just show up with some painting for sketching to do! Our regular artist, Tom Higgins, will be able to share his skills with visitors if you’d like to have a go at painting the next time he’s there.
Free!
11am - 1pm
Happens Monthly. Check back for the next dates!
No booking required, just show up with something to do! Our regular craft cafe visitors will be able to share their skills if you’d like to learn something new such as knitting or crochet.
Craft Café
Brush N’ Brew
Gallery
Shop
Our on site shop has a range of unique artisan, handmade gifts and cards from our associated artists. Plus our beautifully crafted Paintmaker Artist Materials, made at Florence with local pigments.
Pop into our shop and say hello, or buy Paintmaker Artist Materials online.
Florence
Paintmakers
Paintmaking Demonstrations
Come and join us for a demonstration of our paintmaking practice. We use traditional methods to create high quality artist materials.
Join Nikki and Dave in the paintmaking studio at florence arts centre. The Arts centre is on the site of the former iron ore (haematite) mine. Learn more about how we process the iron ore to create our signature egremont red colour in this demonstration.
Join us for our monthly onsite paintmaking demonstrations, open to all.
£6 per person.
Discover the craft of paintmaking and enjoy a friendly, hands-on experience.
Check back soon for the next date.
Group Bookings for Paintmaking Demonstrations
Book a private 1.5-hour session for up to 8 people, including a hot drink and informal discussion.
£96 per group booking.
To find out more or make a booking, please email or call us.
florence@florenceartscentre.com | (01946) 824946
Café
Enjoy a cafetière of Fair Trade coffee, a mug of Cumbrian Tea, local baking, sweet treats and snacks, soft drinks or a beer from the Ennerdale brewery. Our cafe is dog-friendly and always warm and welcoming.
Open Friday 11-4pm, Saturday 11- 3pm and Sunday 11-3pm.
Coffee Stop
Cafe & Shop
Workshops
Get creative and be inspired with workshops, artist talks and demonstrations.
Wildlife
Garden
Visit our wildlife garden
Maintained with the help of our gardening group of volunteers and partners and students from Lakes College