Filming, Refurbishing and Hosting

It's been a very busy time at Dungeness Open Studios. Last week, we welcomed 17 film crew involved in the production of a short sc-fi film called Black Shore. They filmed in the house, grounds and workshop with actors Matthew Steer, Jessica Raine and Austin Taylor. It is the realisation of a long-held dream of the directors, Jon Park and Grant White, who were joined by Leah Harris as Producer, Director of Photography, Zoran Veljkovic and Production Designer Steve Blundell, among others. They were hard working, friendly and fun, and we are looking forward to the premiere!

Zoran being strapped into his steady cam

Matthew Steer getting ready for a take

As the Black Shore team wanted a fairly gritty looking exterior we had held off on the much-needed paint job around and about, but it's been full on refurbishment ever since. Studio One has been re-painted and varnished as necessary. Studio Two has been whitewashed and The Lab has been refurbished inside as we have created a new, very elegant display screen which will also act as a drying space. This is timely as we can now begin working on a new show ('Spiritual') which will consist of all new material including paintings, prints, mixed media and photography.

Studio 2 - before painting

Studio 2 - looking fresher

The Lab - previous hanging screen

The Lab - new hanging screen made of perspex and canvas

After the creative chaos of film making we had a few Airbnb guests to host so the house was quickly returned to its fomer glory (!) and we met some lovely people who were visiting Dungeness for both work and pleasure.

In the garden, we are still planting new additions every day and the recent rain has helped to bring things on. The zenith hasn't yet been reached but we expect everything to bloom in the next couple of weeks. The lack of rain has had quite an effect on the beach. We have noticed fewer snails and nesting birds, and there don't appear to be as many rabbits or foxes. Plant life is different, too. Usually by now the digitalis and vipers bugloss are showing in abundance, but there is very little sign of them as yet. Good news for lizards though - they are everywhere!

Daisies about to bloom

The hawthorn has flowered for the first time

Mallen

Sweet Peas are being trained to run up the midden

Flowering mint

Last night the French coast was visible for miles which happens rarely but the lights are quite beautiful. Speaking of which, we put up some lights as well...!