Well, the time has come for me to give notice on my studio at Wellington House (Mill), Manchester. My contract is due for renewal at the end of the year and that comes with a shocking 150% hike is fees, yes that’s slightly above inflation… 150%.
After 12 years, two different units, a change in building owners and managers, one break in. Not sure what I’m going to do without a studio? Over those years there have been plenty of workshops, cups of tea and heaps of biscuits, but it is time to move on. I can’t justify paying the new ammount, although I can’t blame the landlord. If I was using it every day for commercial purposes then fair enough but I’m not. Its a shame buildings like this are slowly being priced out for creatives and its only a matter of time before it becomes yet another block of apartments I suppose.
I’ve taken the opportunity to look back through my blog to when I first moved into this present studio space. It was in a right sorry state and needed a great deal of work to get it fit for purpose, so I think its good to look back before looking forward.
Its been a long while since it was that clean and organised and now I guess its time to start packing it all away. If I can’t find an alternative studio space, it will all have to go into storage before Christmas. I’ve just purchased a dozen packing crates, and now realise I’m going to need a lot lot more. I do hope the service lift is working when I come to move out, if anyone’s available and fancies lending a hand…
I have submitted an expression of interest for a studio space in an amazing mill much nearer home and with a very active arts community and cafe. I’ll not say where yet as I don’t want to tempt fate but fingers crossed.
I’m so sorry to hear this, Tony. I’d be lost without my studio space. Best of luck with the prospect of your new space.
Something always turns up Gregg, don’t know what yet but something 🙂
So sad you are having to leave Tony – I so enjoyed visiting you there and observing the alchemy of early photo processes in action!
Fingers crossed that the new studio comes to pass so you have plenty of scope to continue your practice & your fabulous collection has a new home soon.
Hi Stella.
I’ve known it was coming, I was expecting a 100% hike but 150% took the biscuit.
I’m looking at it as a positive thing… at the moment.
Invite to the grand opening of a new studio in the near future hopefully.
I hope all is well.
If you want a hand with moving stuff I would be happy to help. I’ve recently retired so I’m available most of the time, except for the odd few days where i have already arranged things.
Thats very good of you Pete. I’ll see how I go and if I have anywhere to move it all to. 🙁
Holy smokes 12years it was just yesterday it seems I was watching you build the darkroom…
Better and more interesting locations lie ahead
Hi Paul, yep time flies and a good a time as any for a change.