Swindon Open Studios 2026: artists open their doors for the first weekend

Swindon Open Studios ran its first weekend of 2026 on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September, with free entry to studios and venues in Swindon and the villages around it. Swindon24 toured several of them and published its report on 21 September.

The event was first held in 2004 and has run every year since 2008.

Who was showing?

Among the artists and venues Swindon24 visited:

• Maria McCann, South Marston: kiln-formed glass and folk art painting. "I just want to share with everybody the joys of glass because a lot of them really don't know a lot about it," she said.
• Nicola King, the Barn at Great Moorleaze Farm, near Wanborough: British wildlife and wildflower art. She gives 10% of her artwork sales to local wildlife charities and rescue centres.
• Sheryll K Fox, Wanborough: landscapes including Liddington and Stanton Park, painted in a former living room.
• Lisa Marie Wright, Eastcott Studios: ceramics, in her first year exhibiting.
• Ruth Wintle, Eastcott Community Centre: detailed pictures of local buildings, businesses and landmarks.
• Podpad Studios, Whitworth Road: run by Anna and Mark Enright, making pieces for film, television and exhibitions, often from recycled materials. On show were a Blade Runner-inspired electric "Spinner" and a 10ft Terminator robot.

Jo McAree, founder of Eastcott Studios and chair of Swindon Open Studios, said: "Anybody that says there's no culture in Swindon wants their heads testing, to be perfectly honest."

When was the second weekend?

The studios were due to open again on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September 2026. Opening times and an interactive map were on the Swindon Open Studios website.

Source: Swindon24.