Nestled within the historical charm of a Grade II listed cotton-spinning mill, Falcon Mill Artist Studios and Gallery (FaMAS) offers a unique blend of Bolton’s industrial heritage and the vibrancy of contemporary art. The preview evening, held in the extensive gallery space on the 2nd and 3rd floors, was a captivating experience, reflecting both the rich history of the building and the dynamic creativity of the resident artists.

Where the past meets the present

Walking into the former mill on Handel Street, it’s easy to feel the weight of history. Built in 1903 by G. Temperly for Falcon Mill Ltd., the structure boasts stunning brickwork, high ceilings, and wide-open spaces. It has been transformed and expanded over the last few years into an inspiring hub for over forty resident artists.

With live music and wine, I spent an inspiring evening walking through the gallery space. A vast array of work was displayed —from intricate paintings to experimental mixed media pieces. What stood out was the diversity of artistic practices on display from textile artists, to stained glass, installation art, painters, photographers and print makers to name just a few.

The preview also gave attendees a sneak peek into the studios themselves, offering a rare and intimate look into the creative process. Each studio felt like a personal sanctuary, filled with tools, sketches, and works-in-progress, highlighting the passion and dedication behind the finished pieces. Let’s take a look at some of the resident artists;

Ted Warburton

Ted Warburton‘s studio was full of large, dramatic landscapes. The one on the easel is part of Ted’s latest collection featuring the Isle of Man. Ted paints in oils, sometimes with cold wax and also acrylics.

Richard Lloyd-Mullen/Rich Art

Rich‘s studio was full of personality, much like the man himself. Rich is a photographer but also makes paper. He talked me through his process of recycling damaged old books, some up to 300 years old, and turning them into ‘new’ pieces of paper. The paper is great for writing and drawing on.

Pete Marsh

Pete Marsh has exhibited his work widely, including at The Royal Academy, and collectors worldwide hold his pieces in private collections. A former Design Technology teacher, Pete still mentors A level students. Pete’s practice includes painting and printmaking techniques such as mono, lino, etching & dry-point.

Bridie Tonge

Bridie‘s studio is where raw fleece is turned into beautiful fibres. If you are looking to learn crochet or knitting Bridie also runs classes and art with fibre workshops. FaMAS not only serves as a place of creation but also as a space where the public can connect directly with the artists, their process, and their finished works.

Maggie Bruce

Maggie Bruce is a mixed media artist who loves to experiment with different mediums, including encaustic, watercolour, alcohols inks, resin, oil and wax. Her experimentation is infectious, Maggie talked me through her process to make shellac and how she uses cyanotype. Her paintings have a beautiful luminosity built up from many layers of wax.

Step into the heart of Bolton’s artistic community

The atmosphere was one of openness and exploration, allowing visitors to engage with artists, ask questions, and gain insight into how these exceptional works come to life. This accessibility is a true strength of FaMAS, breaking down the barriers often found between artist and audience.

The preview evening at Falcon Mill Artist Studios and Gallery was a delightful immersion into both the world of contemporary art and the history of the building itself. The quality and diversity of work on display, combined with the openness of the resident artists and the thoughtful curation of the gallery, made for a thoroughly engaging evening.

FaMAS are holding a Festive Friday on 29th November at 10:30am – 14:30pm. Hot drinks and mince pies will be served. It’s your chance to check out this exhibition for yourself and maybe shop for some Christmas gifts.