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

Making and Using Pastels - £35

Discover the beauty and versatility of pastels in this hands-on, beginner-friendly workshop. You'll explore the process of making pastels and learn how to use them to create vibrant, expressive artwork.
Make your own pastel with our Paintmaker Nikki and get creative with artist Jenni Payne. 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. Nikki will talk you through the method of processing rocks into earth pigments and the different techniques we use to create our watercolour paints and chalk pastels. Afterwards Jenni will help you draw a hare with your new pastel!

All materials are provided, but feel free to bring your own supplies if you prefer.

A reference image of a hare will be provided to work from, but you're welcome to bring your own photo if you’d like to create something more personal.
What to Wear:
Old clothes are recommended - we’ll be getting a little messy!
Schedule:
Arrive from 12:30 PM for a hot drink, a friendly chat, and time to get settled. The workshop will begin promptly at 1:00 PM and wrap up by 3:00 PM.
Come along for a relaxed and creative afternoon—you don’t need any prior experience, just a willingness to explore and enjoy!
This session is suitable for 13+ people with reasonable mobility. Our centre is wheelchair accessible with parking on site, ramped access to the studio door and level throughout. We have a wheelchair-accessible toilet.

Wednesdays 1pm - Young Creatives and Family Films
Thursdays - 10:30am - 12:30 Family Playdays

Summer Holiday Activities - £4 - £8

All Events

After Hours - Ama-Zine Zine Making - FREE for ages 18-30

Join Sophie for a creative zine-making workshop where you'll explore different zine-making techniques, themes, and ideas.
A zine (short for "magazine") is a small, often handmade and DIY booklet that can be about absolutely anything! Share your favourite holiday memories, write a film review, celebrate your hobbies or go wild and create 'A Day in the Life of a Pigeon'. Your imagination is the only limit!
Browse a wide selection of magazines, papers, and art materials to cut, collage, and experiment with. You're also welcome to bring along your own materials you'd like to incorporate into your zine making (even those stickers you say you'll use one day)
Not in the mood to make something? Feel free to spend some time browsing and reading a variety of zines at our pop up library - for one night only!
Drop in at any time to discover the wonderful world of zines.

Regular Events

Free!

Thursdays 1pm - 3pm

During Term Time

June 4th - July 9th

Make Space

Free!

Summer Hours: 2pm - 4pm

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

Exhibitions

Shop

Shop Paintmaker Artist Materials

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

Learn More

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.