ON SUNDAY 28 July, Tim Harrold of Thurrock Arts – who recently showed his ‘assemblage’ sculptures at the High House Barns in Purfleet as part of the local Art Trail – visited the Parndon Mill artists’ studios in Harlow with his wife Vera.

This open studio event took place over the weekend in the converted water mill sitting on an island on the scenic River Stort.

On show in the four-story historic building, which the owners describe as ‘a hub of creativity’, was work by painters, fine art printers, graphic designers, illustrators and architects. There were a number of craftspeople exhibiting, showing jewellery, glass work, pottery, sculpture – and even flamenco guitar making. There were opportunities to talk to all the exhibitors.

Both Tim and Vera were particularly drawn to the work of Liz Boast on the top floor. “Liz is a printmaker, but on the wall of her studio she had a row of old bird cages, each containing shoes that had been altered in some way – for instance, one was covered in small buttons,” said Tim. “Being some one who works with similar ‘found’ objects, and liking visula poetic and a bit of eccentric humour in my art, I loved them.”

Parndon Mill was also hosting the Essex Book Festival on Sunday, and there was an opportunity to hear a conversation with author and TV documentary presenter Gus Casley-Hayford. In a marquee on the lawn, Gus discussed his work as a curator and his particular interest in the ‘Lost Kingdoms of Africa’, about which he has made a series of films and written a book, copies of which he signed afterwards.

“It’s a beautiful building in a wonderful spot, and the variety of creative disciplines means there’s something there for everyone – it’s well worth a visit,” said Tim afterwards. The Mill is open from Tuesday to Friday 10am to 5pm and on Sundays 2-4pm. See www.pardonmill.co.uk.