It has been a lifelong ambition of Kathryns’ to own her own Studio / Gallery and now her dream has come true.
The journey starts from humble beginnings when Kathryn first produced her pourings in the family home’s guest bedroom. Paints, paper, bottles, gels and drying racks were spread out during the week to create her originals; then a mad rush at the weekend to tidy everything to a corner of the room to accommodate family and friends staying over if visiting. This space quickly became too small and through a chance conversation with a fellow ‘Lisbaner’ Tom, Kathryn was able to rent out an outbuilding on local family farm. The partnership was ideal with Tom running Lisbarnett Studio which is an Art Gallery and Picture Framing business.
Kathryn worked happily in this space for close to 5 years however due to propelled growth over the last while, the business warranted bigger premises, so the search began. Kathryn started to look at property with two goals mind. 1) The business had to remain local to Lisbane and 2) The building itself had to have character and curb appeal. The search didn’t take long and within a few months up popped The Old School House in Ballydrain.
‘This was a superb opportunity to purchase a little bit of history in the area’ commented Kathryn and with the building previously used by the Ballydrain Harriers and Athletic Club circa 1932 there are many local members able to reminisce fondly on The Old Schoolhouse. ‘It has been interesting to hear how important the building has been to the community over the last number of decades and one resident recalls her Grandfather attending school in it at the turn of the century’ added Kathryn. An original granite plaque to the front of the building plays tribute to its former life and this will remain prominent on the exterior above the front door.
Not immediately fit for purpose, Kathryn has undertaken a renovation project which offered a superb opportunity to create a unique and characterful space. Buildings suitable for conversion are often in locations, both urban or rural, where it would be impossible to build a new studio.
Converting an existing structure is also environmentally friendly, as you’re recycling the energy and materials that went into the original building. Features such as deep inset windows, high ceilings and beautiful stonework bring unique character and quality to the finished result – so Kathryn’s aim was to show these off to their full potential.
Before the demolition started, Kathryn held a pre-renovation in The Old School house, inviting locals, family and customers old & new to see the building in its raw state. This proved a huge success and even though the building had sat unoccupied for months, its character, charm and warmth shown through confirming to Kathryn that this was definitely the right move. Soon after the work began…
First things first; as with any old building, there’s a good chance the site won’t be hooked up to mains water, electricity, gas or drainage and this was certainly the case with The Old Schoolhouse. Partnering with a local builder Johnny, the next requirement was a new concrete foundation. With hardwork, sweat and muscle (Johnny’s!) the old foundation was removed and a new one poured. Kathryn sourced materials locally and that are in keeping with the building’s character.
As with any renovation project it is hard to remain within budget, but through using original materials, Kathryn managed (phew!) to keep costs down by restoring doors, windows, casings and baseboards.
During the renovation the builder unveiled an original brick from Castle Espie from when the site was used as a brick and pottery factory. The brickworks, capable of producing up to 24,000 bricks a day, was opened c1850 but production had totally ceased by 1878/79 and the site was sold in 1885. This brick has now been placed into the surrounding stone wall to be enjoyed for many more year ahead.
Kathryn moved into the studio in March / April , right in the middle of lockdown and is so delighted with the end result.
“Coming to the studio every day makes me so happy and I hope this is reflected in recent artworks. It’s calm, peaceful and inspiring and a wonderful surround for customers to visit and discuss their needs”. Kathryn