The Birley Branches Out - Summer 2019

Feb, 15 2019

~When a creative person begins their career it may take a considerable amount of work to build on their portfolio following a recent degree at the local University.

Through social networks and finding a desirable  platform their field of interest begins to grow. Peer groups start to widen out as your work appears to be the constant talk of conversation in lunch break.

A similar experience took place at The Birley on Birley Street near the Town Hall in Preston. From it’s humble beginnings in 2014, The Birley has continued to impress as a very creative space.

Five years ago, graduates of UCLAN took the studios’ under their wings making it so appealing that it has become oversubscribed since it’s first year of opening.

Now in 2019, the studio has expanded to take on the first-floor of the building. They are also home to established Turner Prize winning artist and UCLAN lecturer Professor Lubaina Himid CBE.

Lubaina expressed her joy in response to the positive investment in keeping the Birley thriving,

“Contemporary art is flourishing at the Birley and I am delighted to be part of this brilliant project in Preston.”

Other artists using the space include Rebecca Chesney, Faye Spencer and Tracy Hill. Work on the expansion is due to be complete by the summer.

• Preston art studio is tripling in size
• Summer 2019.

^Alex Ashworth