Open Studios | SCT Creative House @ The Old Pay Office | 21.06.25 - 22.06.25

In June 2025, I was invited to take part in the Open Studios weekend at The Old Pay Office in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Even though I don’t have a studio there, the artists and team welcomed me warmly, just as they did during POSE (Portsmouth Open Studios Event) in October 2024.

The Old Pay Office is a Grade II listed building, originally built in 1903 to house the Royal Navy’s accounts branch. Today it’s home to a growing community of artists and makers, thanks to the Sustainable Conservation Trust (SCT)—a social enterprise that restores historic buildings with sustainability and creativity at the core. SCT doesn’t just save buildings; they reimagine them as active spaces for culture and collaboration.

Being used to working solo, I really valued being around other artists again. These weekends are a chance not just to show your work, but to connect—to share ideas, frustrations, and laughter with people who really get it. It’s refreshing and reassuring to hear how others solve the same problems you’re facing.

The variety of work on show was inspiring. Roma Blay presented an animated piece where a hand-painted image of ships moved via augmented reality when scanned with a phone. Sally Tyrie welcomed visitors into her peaceful studio, filled with thoughtful printmaking, photography, and artist’s books. Spencer from Zoo Poo Prints showed his bold gig posters, Katy from Home of the Good Chair displayed her bespoke woven chairs, and Clarke Reynolds (Mr. Dot) was deep into a new tactile Jaws piece. Also showing work were Karen from The Distracted Sewist, Sally Biloshiskaya of Petal & Pchelka, and The Play Office team—Hannah and James—quietly crafting behind the scenes. Huge thanks to Lorna Tyrie, who greeted visitors and took brilliant photos.

For me, the best part was having proper conversations with visitors. Unlike at POSE, where it was a bit manic (but brilliant) this event gave space for longer chats. I showed a range of my work including prints from my book Reasons Not to Call Him, which sparked shared laughter and the occasional heartfelt story. It’s always encouraging to hear that something I made resonates with someone else—that moment of “yes, exactly!”

One great conversation began after a visitor mentioned a teenage boy refusing to go into a rainbow-coloured Le Creuset shop: “Ew, I can’t go in there, it’s got rainbows.” That led to a bigger chat about queer visibility, gay rugby teams, and how we raise boys. I love that: when a piece of work, or even a passing comment, leads to something much deeper.

I also got to showcase a new warning sign—explicit artistic content—and see how all my pieces work together in one space. I meant to get some new work done during the weekend, but unsurprisingly, I got too caught up in conversations - which is what I was there for.