Hospitalfield in Industry

What happens when you put screenprinters in a resin factory, or take a ceramicist to a stonemasons?

Make Works and Hospitalfield in Arbroath, have introduced a new residency programme which immerses artists and makers with Scottish manufacturers. The artists and designers will take part in the Autumn Residencies this September at Hospitalfield, whilst working closely with two local factories that we have listed on Make Works. 

Hospitalfield

Hospitalfield has its roots in making - remodelled in 1845 as a significant Arts and Crafts piece of architecture; the building was previously an art school, and is now a dedicated space for contemporary art.

The aim of this collaboration between Hospitalfield and Make Works is to give residents the opportunity to learn from and experiment with manufacturing processes, as a way of developing ideas and practical elements of their work. By embedding the residents in these spaces, we hope that new work, research and connections will be made between artists, designers and new materials production.

The residencies are taking place as part of Hospitalfields autumn residency programme over September, splitting their time between the Hospitalfield studio spaces and the factory floor. Our first two residents are design studio, Bespoke Atelier and artist, James Rigler, who have both just taken up residence in their respective factories.

Bespoke Atelier with Smyth Composites

Bespoke Atelier are a design studio, based in Glasgow. They specialise in the art of pattern design, translating their work into screenprinted textiles, wallpapers, interiors, costume design and public art. For the duration of residency they will be working with Smyth Composites in Angus.

Smyth Composites manufacture flat sheet Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) which is typically used to produce specialist flooring, signage, anti-vandal glazing and cladding with bespoke colour and graphics, used in places like railway stations, school playgrounds or swimming pools. The production process involves building up layers of resin on long tables, adding texture, colour and pattern as appropriate.

You can find out more about Smyth Composites on their Make Works listing here.

James Rigler with Fyfe Glenrock

James Rigler is an artist, again based in Glasgow. James works with clay and other everyday materials to create sculptures and installations that question the architecture and meaning of the places around us.

For his residency he will be based at Fyfe Glenrock, a stone masons in Old Meldrum, Aberdeenshire. Fyfe Glenrock manufacture architectural stonework, and utilitarian stone pieces like fireplaces, gravestones and kitchen worktops. They also work with artists on bespoke, often hand made sculptures.

You can find out more about Fyfe and Glenrock on their Make Works listing here.

To follow the work over the course of the residency, follow @Hospitalfield on Twitter

To read about some great collaborations between designers and manufacturers read our piece on the value of collaboration