Yahoo News Visitors flock to New Abbey's inspiring cultural hub at Shambellie House
Visitors from far and wide have been making a beeline for an inspiring cultural hub nestled in the picturesque village of New Abbey.
The historic property, Shambellie House – designed by leading Victorian Scottish architect David Bryce – is now a creative centre for arts, heritage and environmental courses, workshops and events year round, after a major refurbishment and new lease of life thanks to trustees.
The Stewarts and their descendants occupied the house continually from 1860 until 1977 when it was given, along with a collection of 2,000 costumes and accessories, to the National Museum of Scotland and opened as the National Museum of Costume in 1982. This closed in 2013 and the property is now managed by the Shambellie House Trust who have transformed its purpose and increased local visitors and tourism.
The Trust is a charitable Community Benefit Society and has more than 200 shareholder members. Membership is open to anyone over the age of 16 who purchases 10 shares at £1 each.
And they have not rested on their laurels with the facilities enjoyed by a range of artists, photographers, crafters and makers who have a strong local following for their workshops year round.
And it is also attracting tourists and other creatives from around the world.
Manager Melanie McEwan said: “Shambellie House really is going from strength to strength. It has gained a reputation for its creative workshops and serene setting as a place to relax, learn and enjoy.
“Take Easter weekend at Shambellie House – which marked our first open day of the year – and the response was overwhelming. Visitors poured in from New Abbey and the local area, as well as from distant locales such as Liverpool, Derbyshire and beyond.
“We also received some amazing feedback. One family from Liverpool, with two children and two mischievous dogs in tow, shared their delightful experience: “We thoroughly enjoyed the day.
“Margot absolutely loved the crafts, and her egg basket now proudly sits on the mantlepiece. Big shout out to Louis McEwen for organising a top-notch egg hunt – even if we did have to ask for help.
“We’ll definitely be back for more fun at Shambellie House. It was a brilliant day out, so thank you.”
Another April success was a highly successful workshop with internationally renowned Batik artist, Rosi Robinson, which attracted participants from as far afield as Spain.
And this was followed by the Artists of Shambellie House Exhibition weekend. Supported by Dumfries and Galloway Council and DG Unlimited, it included family-friendly activities, demonstrations,and a raffle, as well as exhibits for the theme ‘Flock’ from seven local artists. They included Ailsa Mackay, Andy Brooke, Arona Allan, Frank Hayes, Julie Stephen, Helen Walsh and Joanna Shennan.
Each of them offered demonstrations of their up and coming workshops as well as offering some work for sale.
Melanie added: “Throughout the year, Shambellie House will offer a diverse range of events and workshops, catering to varied interests.
“Embracing an international theme, later this year, a representative from the Japanese Consulate will inaugurate and conclude our first Japanese Festival, organised by JetAA, celebrating and promoting Japanese culture and traditions.
“Expectations are high for the Quilt Fling this month, and September will witness the second-largest quilt festival in the country.
“Additionally, funding from the Regional Events Growth Fund has been secured to host a 2024 Photography Festival starting in June, with the theme, Community and will feature a special event for Refugee Week.
Quilt Fling, with all workshops subsidised by the Quilters of Shambellie House, runs from May 11 to 19 and includes the Stitching Stars Exhibition from Alzheimer’s Scotland.
It starts on Friday, May 11, with an evening talk by international quilter and judge, Paula Rafferty, and will be followed on the Saturday with a workshop by her on quilted stained glass effect wall hangings, and on the Sunday with another on portrait quilting.
Paula is also a full time art teacher in Limerick Prison.
Local textile artist Jo Gallant will lead a workshop on Monday, May 13, on mixed media landscapes, and Mousewald quilter Ann Hill BEM will show how to make a quilter’s bag on Tuesday, May 14 – both 10am to 4pm.
More workshops to book a place on include making a Bargello Panel with Elma Graham on Wednesday, May 15; an introduction to free motion embroidery with Helen Walsh on Friday, May 17 and Dressmaking: Starting your Journey (Summer Trousers) on Sunday, May 19.
There is also a private class with Kirkbean Primary School on creating floral wallhanging on Thursday, May 16 and another on making a tree panel on the same day.
For all the details on workshops to come over the next few months at Shambellie – from botanical gelli printing and needle-felting to loom weaving and ceramics – see the website: www.shambelliehouse.org.
