About us
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Birchwood was started in 2020 by 2 old pals, Clare and Sam, looking for one last hoolie before they crumbled.
After nearly 5 years of adventure Clare, the business brain and sensible one, retired leaving creative dreamer, Sam and the, thankfully efficient, office team - Beth, Beata and Raphie plus a studio full of experienced, good humoured artist/ tutors to continue their mission to convince the world, south Edinburgh at least, that anyone can draw, paint and make.
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P.S. the studio is called Birchwood after Sam’s childhood home – beloved cottage of Jim Proudfoot, illustrator and general good guy. You can find his work in our shop.
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Our Tutors | Finding Us | Environment | Community | Access
Our Tutors
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We are delighted to have such a talented and
enthusiastic bunch of artists working for us.
Find out more about them:
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Sheila Chapman | Morven Ferguson | Siri France | Anupa Gardner |
Tess Glen | Helen Jackson | Suzanne Kemplay | Raphie Piquiot |
Sam Spence | Ryo Tamura | Marcela Tršova
Hayley Whittingham | Laura Williams
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Finding us
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Birchwood Art Studio is very well served by public transport, is close
to the Union Canal for safe walking and cycling and has pay and display parking on the main road and side streets.
LRT buses
Stopping in Polwarth Terrace or Colinton Road south of
Ashley Terrace – 10, 27, 45
Ashley Terrace – 38
Stopping in Slateford Road north of Ashley Terrace – 4, 34, 35, 44, 300
Parking
There is a bike rack available 2 doors up. Ashley Terrace and the neighbouring area is now part of a Controlled Parking Zone and you will have to pay to park if not a permit or blue badge holder. It is
free to park after 5.30pm. Please check ticket machines or the
council website for up to date information.
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Environment
Our aim is recycle, re-use and re-purpose when possible. We will also
try to use environmentally friendly products where available. Many paints are bad for the environment as they contain plastics, so we have put in place measures to avoid wastage and paint being washed into the drainage system.
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Commmunity
We're all for it. Bring us your ideas for classes and workshops for collaborations and arty get-togethers. We are always looking for new ways to support and encourage people into art no matter what their age or ability. From near or far we are keen to make connections with community groups and charities who could benefit from the power of art and making.
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Access
Our main studio, shop, kitchen and loo are all on ground floor level with step free access, so are suitable for people with mobility issues. There is one step down into the smaller studio at the rear of the building. Unfortunately the toilet is not wheelchair accessible.
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