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

Fused Glass Workshop - £35

  • Design your own fused glass designs with artist, Steph Sykes!

    Steph will lead you in the process of cutting cutting and breaking glass safely. From there you'll be able to use different forms of glass to create patterns, textures and images

  • This practical, hands-on workshop is ideal for beginners and improvers who would like to explore the unique qualities of porcelain through hand-building techniques. Guided by ceramic artist Cath Ball, participants will learn how to work confidently with porcelain clay, focusing on creating delicate forms and beautifully textured surfaces while embracing the material’s translucency and ability to capture fine detail.

    Using simple hand-building methods, you will experiment with imprinting texture into porcelain using lace and a selection of found objects. Throughout the session, Cath will offer guidance on handling porcelain, avoiding common pitfalls, and achieving clean, refined results.

    The final outcome will be a cylindrical form, which can be finished as a mug, vase, or plant pot. Participants can choose their preferred form and colour, ensuring each piece becomes a unique and personal object to enjoy for years to come.

    All completed work will be professionally fired in Cath’s studio and will be ready for collection approximately 5–6 weeks after the workshop.

    Please note £20.00pp is payable on the day in cash to the artist, for materials and firing your finished item.

Porcelain Texture Workshop - £35


Florence Unplugged - FREE

  • Join us for a get-together celebrating live music, poetry, recitations, and song.
    Flo Unplugged is a relaxed, welcoming space to share creativity and enjoy great performances together.

    Entry is free, with donations warmly welcomed. No booking required - just turn up and enjoy the evening.

    If you’d like to perform, please get in touch in advance so we can plan the running order. The setup will be simple and unplugged, with two microphones only.

    florence@florenceartscentre.com or phone 01946 824946

Regular Events

Free!


Thursdays 1pm - 3pm

During Term Time

January 10th - February 11th

Make Space

Free!

11am - 12:30pm

Our first session starts January 29th!

Happens Weekly on Thursdays. Check back for the next dates!

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

February 7th

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

Florence Mine gift shop with art prints and postcards

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