Ground 5: A Celebration of Florence Paintmakers

Ground 5 is an exciting new exhibition celebrating Florence Paintmakers, a micro business within Florence Arts Centre (FAC) producing hand made artist materials from Cumbrian minerals. The Centre is based on the site of a former iron ore mine in Egremont and represents a living legacy for the iron and steel industry which once dominated the area and for local people who were employed at Florence (until 2007) and other mines in the area. 

Florence Paintmakers make a range of art materials using iron ore (Egremont Red) from the site, St Bees sandstone and Honister and Kirkby slates. These are sold online, wholesale and at the arts centre and are prized by creatives wishing to portray stories of Cumbrian people and landscapes. 

Florence Arts Centre has commissioned four regionally significant artists to create new artworks that celebrate the colours, qualities and heritage of the paintmaker products. Works by painter, Alison Critchlow, Photographer, Alistair Debling, Sculptor, Elizabeth Clough and Filmmaker, Juliet Klottrup will be exhibited at Florence Arts Centre and a programme of events and activities will enable visitors to get hands on and explore the techniques and processes they have used to create the work on display.

The exhibition launches on Thursday 29 October during half term with a big open day which will include family activities (puddle paint making and other creative fun) and talks, tours and demos aimed more at adults:  heritage tours, paintmaker demonstrations, creative workshops and artist talks. 

Further activities will take place through October, November and December and further details and booking information can be found on our website events page.