Grade II listed former garden shed is town’s new art studio (From Southend Standard)

Grade II listed former garden shed is town’s new art studio

12:00pm Monday 28th September 2009

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THREE years ago Chalkwell Hall was being used as a garden shed, but thanks to a group of talented and dedicated artists the transformation of the Georgian building is now complete.

Hundreds flocked to the opening of the revamped four-storey Grade II listed building in Chalkwell Park.

It was taken over by arts organisation Metal in 2007 and officially opened on Thursday by former Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker.

Metal has spent more than two years lovingly renovating the house.

The innovative design includes two wind turbines on the roof of the hall, solar thermal tubes and led lighting throughout the entire building to try and make it carbon neutral.

It will be used as a base for artists to help them develop their ideas.

Artists from outside Southend will come and live and work in Chalkwell Hall and visitors will be able to see their work in progress. There will also be events for schoolchildren and the artists will run workshops for local groups.

Metal was formed in 2002. Founder Jude Kelly said: “I came three years ago and opened the door of Chalkwell Hall when the gardeners were keeping their tools in it. It was a good use, but we thought it had more potential.

“So many people came to the launch. It has been an incredibly warm reception. It is an example of how you can make these old buildings not just beautiful and fit for purpose, but they can be emblems.”

Plastic chandeliers made by 90 Year 4 pupils from Leigh North Street Junior, Westborough and Chalkwell Hall Junior schools decorated the avenue from London Road up to the hall.

Their remit was to create something that would use recycled materials. With the help of artist Thadian Pillai they used 3,750 bottles to create the 150 lights.

The opening event included a video on the history of the hall shown on a large screen in a marquee in the park. The film was made by author and archivist Rachel Lichenstein and film maker Sean Groth.

Councillors who attended the launch and were impressed with the group’s work.

Leader of Southend Council Nigel Holdcroft said: “The building is looking fantastic, there are marvellous views across the estuary and it is just a perfect location for a cultural experience.”

Derek Jarvis, councillor responsible for enterprise, tourism and regeneration, said: “You can see they have made their mark and more than lived up to the promises they have made. They have done all of this with no permanent base until now.”

All of the work on the house has been done by local businesses. An original clock that hangs over the entrance to Chalkwell Hall was lovingly restored by the Chalkwell Residents Association.

Artist Simon Poulter is one of the resident artists and is exhibiting his piece of work, “Demographics”, which is a light work on the first floor at Chalkwell Hall.

He said: “The work I have been creating is about linkages and connections between things.

“I’ve been working with Metal closely. It’s not just about me being in residency, we’ve become good friends.”

Surrey-based architects Zedfactory, leaders in low-carbon design, and artists Ackroyd and Harvey worked together on the redesign of the hall.

The project was funded by Southend Council, Arts Council England East and the East of England Development Agency.

As well as renovating the hall, Metal has joined up with arts group CoExist and Essex and Suffolk Water to take over the old waterworks building in North Road, Westcliff, which was launched earlier this month.

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