old bank studios
Beverley and Nigel Caleno own, run and are fully immersed in all aspects of Old
Bank Studios life. We bought the Old Bank in Harwich in 2011. Having brought up
and educated a family in Colchester, we were looking for a change of lifestyle
and an opportunity to build on Bev’s Interior and Soft Furnishing business.
Falling in love with this magnificent building and the unspoilt, faded charm of
Harwich town, where beautiful architecture sits alongside maritime industry and
stunning estuary views…….. we took the plunge. Bev very quickly opened her
Textile Studio and it soon became clear that demand for her workshops and
courses was going from strength to strength. Encouraged by this success, the
decision was made to start inviting tutors from outside to deliver workshops; we
were going to need more space! And so began a full restoration of the main
banking hall; with it’s high ceiling, perfect light and ample space, our new Art
Studio was created. As time went on a kitchen was installed in the former bank
vault. Since our first Art Workshop in June 2013, we have successfully run
hundreds of one day events and longer courses, attracting many of the country’s
leading artists and tutors to work with us. Our reputation has spread far and
wide and we regularly welcome students from the four corners of the UK, as well
as further afield. On a personal level we both continue to explore and develop
our own creativity and hold an annual exhibition of our work. Bev is firmly
established as a Textile Artist and more recently a painter in Watercolour,
whilst Nigel works in in many media, but is gaining a reputation as a Plein Air
Oil Painter. We look forward to welcoming you to the Old Bank Studios very soon.
