Brentford’s Creative Mile, 29 – 31 August

Nearly 100 artists in 25 unique venues throughout Brentford across one weekend

Brentford’s art trail returns on the weekend of 29 – 31 August. The ‘Creative Mile’ between the London Museum of Water sand Steam beside Kew Bridge and Boston Manor Housse will host nearly 100 artists in 25 unique venues that include  industrial buildings, a museum, a convent, a school, a historical house, a church and a boatyard as well as cafes, pubs, galleries, shops and the artists’ community on Johnson’s Island.

It’s a great opportunity to get to know Brentford better as well as to buy some interesting art from a range of artists that includes painters, ceramicists, printmakers, hat makers, mosaic artists, jewellery makers, poets, musicians and sculptors.

‘This year’s theme of Neighbourhood seems especially relevant in a town that is experiencing momentous change with new developments in progress’, say the organisers.

“As a borough, we have a proud history of supporting the creative industries to flourish and this event will certainly showcase the best of local talent”, says Councillor Salman Shaheen, Cabinet Minister for Culture, Leisure and Public Spaces at Hounslow Council.

Visitors can pick up one of the bright yellow maps listing all the artists and venues and plot a route, or just have a look at the Creative Mile website:

creativemile.org

London Museum of Water and Steam Standpipe Tower

Creative Mile venues

Many of the venues have played a part in Brentford’s rich industrial history. The London Museum of Water and Steam is a stunning survivor of Victorian engineering and design and has the only surviving full-height standpipe tower in the world with its original pipework intact.

READ ALSO: London Museum of Water and Steam launches crowdfunding to reopen landmark water tower

Several of the artists who have studios in the grounds of the museum are taking part this year, including furniture maker David Pearce and bronze caster Neil Lemaire.

Artists showing their work at the London Museum of Water and Steam studios

80 High Street

Less well-known is 80 High Street, home to the Clarke family in the 18th and 19th centuries. John Clarke and his son Samuel were in the important trade of coal and lime dealing early in the 19th century.

‘By 1888 number 80 High Street had become the home of the Underwoods and was called Brentford House. The Underwoods were an early importer of Hay and Straw. The company employed 300 people and maintained a stable of 100 horses. The Underwoods also traded in lime, coal and coke’.

Artists showing their work at 80 High Street

John’s Boat Works

John’s Boat Works is taking part this year. The boatyard is on Lot’s Ait, a small island which traditionally grew osiers, used in basketry and furniture making for centuries. The island is not usually accessible to the public and is open specially for the Creative Mile weekend.

John’s Boat Works

St Paul’s Church

The church involved is St Paul’s, where the Spire Cafe will be open on the Saturday and Sunday (but not the Friday evening), serving baked cakes, sweet and savoury treats, and drinks.

Brentford High School for Girls

The school taking part is Brentford High School for Girls, the secondary school and sixth form academy for students aged 11–18, in the heart of Brentford.

‘The school takes pride in offering a vibrant and diverse range of extracurricular activities that extend learning beyond the classroom. With a strong emphasis on the arts, it encourages students to explore their creativity through music, drama, dance, filmmaking, and arts and crafts’.

Brentford School for Girls

Everyman Cinema, The Weir and The Brewery Tap

Newly opened in Brentford is the Everyman Cinema, which promises ‘fantastic’ cocktails. Other venues where you can get a drink as well as looking at the art work are The Weir pub and The Brewery Tap – ‘a traditional family-run, dog & family friendly, classic car-centric, riverside live music pub boasting a sun-soaked beer terrace’.

As well as offering the choice of drinks you would expect from a popular Fuller’s pub, they also offer: ‘New York style pizzas from the maestro DOCTOR DOUGH. Available each day until sold out!