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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A fun, hands-on pottery session for children and young people aged 8–18, led by Steph Sykes.
In this relaxed and creative workshop, participants will explore a range of clay techniques, including:
Rolling and cutting clay
Joining smaller pieces to build a main form
Moulding clay to create simple 3D shapes
Adding textures and patterns to bring their ideas to life
Everyone will have the chance to design and make their own unique ceramic piece in a supportive, playful environment.
Kids Pottery Session - £15
After Hours - Let’s Make a Scene - FREE for ages 18-30
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LET'S MAKE A SCENE! Join Emily and Jack from Market Place Print Studio, to experiment with our range of hand carved printing blocks to create your own dynamic repeat patterns.
SExperiment with tessellation, repeat patterns, layering and freeform techniques while learning how to achieve clean, striking prints.
We’ll supply materials for practice, with organic cotton tote bags available (£3). You’re also encouraged to bring your own items to transform—whether that’s clothing, fabrics or homewares ready for a new life.
Create, experiment, upcycle.
FREE monthly social for ages 18+
Drop in anytime 5–8pm
2nd Thursdays, February–July
Free pizza slices + inspirational activities
Coffee & craft beer available to buy
Perfectly timed for the No.30 bus (Maryport–Workington–Whitehaven)
Come solo or bring a friend.
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