Friends of Rochdale Art Gallery meet Kara Lyons, artist and director at Ebor Studio Littleborough

Kara Lyons

Artist, director and founder Kara Lyons gave a fascinating illustrated talk to the Friends of Rochdale Art Gallery (FRAG) at Touchstones on Thursday (8 June) about the evolution of Ebor Studio in Littleborough: a story of creative vision, courage, and sheer hard graft.

Beginning as a four-storey Victorian cotton mill, through to the 1970s as a plastics factory, the Ebor Mill was semi derelict about 15 years ago when Kara and her husband decided to ‘repurpose’ it.

It has evolved to accommodate a community of 17 professional painters, sculptors, sound artists, dress designers, furniture makers, video artists, ceramicists, glass makers, performers, and photographers; and houses Gallery FRANK (named after a family benefactor).

It now contributes to the cultural life of the local community and beyond with contemporary exhibitions and events, including workshops and classes - see www.eborstudio.co.uk.

A delightful benefit from the potentially disastrous pandemic restrictions is a large billboard that supplies a changing openair exhibiting point 24/7. Furthermore, the rear yard has been reclaimed to give outdoor opportunities such as workshops, events and even a wildflower community garden with rhubarb, bees and herbs.

A thrilling local powerhouse and with a recent £30k Arts Council Grant for support, let’s hope that it continues to flourish.

Thursday 13 July – FRAG visit to the Ebor Studio Littleborough from 1pm.

Please note: after 12 August Touchstones will close for refurbishment for about 18 months. Watch this space for temporary arrangements.

FRAG organises talks and trips and helps to support Rochdale gallery – including contributing to acquisitions and conservation works and enabling the recently successful ‘A Tall Order’ exhibition.

Currently FRAG meets every second Thursday of the month at 1pm:

All welcome – entry £4 Members £3
Annual membership £10
Contacts: Chair Jenny Buckley 01706 358686 or Touchstones 01706 924492

Dr Joe Dawson