Hidden in the green valleys is a wealth of artistic and creative talent, which often spills over for all to appreciate. Stroud has so many gifted writers, visual artists, actors and musicians and although their work takes them further a field to capital cities and Europe they all choose to stay in their Cotswold cottages and homes to enjoy the peaceful tranquility and creative atmosphere that is in the Stroud valleys.

Cast Glass Artists

Cast Glass Artists

Three cast glass artists who enjoy international acclaim are Colin Reid, Sally Fawkes and Richard Jackson. With work in public collections worldwide their cast glass foundries nestle in the Stroud landscape and are thriving creative industries.

“There is definitely a uniqueness about the place that is hard to determine. Of course it's easy to forget sometimes how magnificent the surrounding landscape and its natural riches are a convenient free gift for any artist” Nick Cudworth, Artist & Musician.

The Pangolin Foundry

The presence of the Pangolin Foundry where some of the world's leading sculptures are cast, including the late Lynn Chadwick, has attracted artists like Damien Hirst to bring his art factories and studios here.

Pangolin Foundry

Hidden in studios and workshops in the Stroud District is a wealth of innovative and original craft makers and fine artists who take advantage of the fast rail link and road connections to take their work to galleries and selling exhibitions nationwide. Artists, craft workers and designers whose names rank amongst the very best in contemporary work.

Names such as Cleo Mussi, a mosaic artist of some renown. Winner of the 2006 Stroud arts award. Cleo's colourful magical mosaics can be seen in public sites such as John Lewis Solihu.

Cleo Mussi

The Pangolin Foundry - Further Information can be found on their website

Sculptors Neville Gabie, Simon Packard and Dan Chadwick choose to reside here and be inspired by the wonderful landscape and the stimulating arts community.

Fine Artists

Emerging artists whose work can be seen nationwide are Matthew Harris, Malcolm Martin & Gaynor Dowling. Textile artist, Matthew Harris is soon to complete a commission for the new build Colston Hall in Bristol. They are regular contributors to the annual Textile Festival in May also.

Famous Writers

With Laurie Lee, many famous writers who have settled here and include Jilly Cooper, who lives in Bisley, Jamila Gavin, Jenny Joseph, UA Fanshawe, Liz Lindsay and John Dougherty.
Jamila Gavin's children's book Coram Boy has been adapted for stage by the National Theatre and is soon to be seen in New York

Jilly Cooper

“I love the Cotswolds because it is so ravishingly beautiful and the wonderful wooded valleys and green rides along the bottom of the valleys have given me terrific inspiration for my last four books and any writer who is lucky enough to live here will find inspiration from the wild flowers, the wild life, the stunningly huge and beautiful trees and the meandering paths through the woods. None could fail to fall in love with the area” Jilly Cooper, Writer & author.

Jilly Cooper - Further Information can be found on her website

Artists

Kate Loveday in her Studio

Kate Loveday, lives and works in Stroud. Her still life compositions and flower paintings sing with sensitive colour. Working from her studio on the top floor of her elegant 19th century home, she is often inspired by the garden she has created.
See Kates work in the Open Studios every June.

Open Studios - Find out more about the Open Studios