The Story of Paddock Studios
From paddockartstudios.co.uk
200 years ago the building was a stable block for the Haywards Heath stagecoach. Stable boys slept in the loft – the hatchway is still visible. In Paddock Lane was the “turning circle” for coaches. Later the building fell into disrepair until 1946.
Cecil Heathfield was at the time Art Advisor for the area. He believed passionately that art was for everyone. He bought the derelict building and despite post-war restrictions and the astonishment of his family, turned it into a studio and home for himself and his wife Evelyn.
Cecil started groups in the district, encouraging people with their art work, for which he held exhibitions at “Paddock Studios”, thus enabling ordinary people to exhibit, who otherwise would not have the opportunity. Cecil’s brother Pip, a graphic designer, and his wife Meg, later joined him and all lived at the Studios, known then as the Cecil Heathfield Centre. A plaque commemorating this period can still be seen in the Studio.
After Cecil’s death in the 1970’s, Evelyn handed the Studio to the County Council; she died shortly after. However the Council were unable to satisfy the aims of the legacy, and rather than let it deteriorate again, a Committee of Trustees was formed, as Lewes and District Visual Arts Association.
LADVAA still owns and maintains the building. Pip and Meg continued to live in the adjoining flat. After Pip died, Meg stayed until only a few years ago. Meg recently passed away, but she always spoke ofh great affection of the Paddock and all it stands for – not least the well-stocked half-acre garden which she and Pip made from “just brambles”.
The garden is a unique asset which provides inspiration for outdoor painting. It is now maintained voluntarily by LADVAA members, although someone is paid to mow the lawn! People feel a very peaceful atmosphere in the garden – Meg said “It’s the love that went into it”.
Current Proposals for Refurbishing the Studio Roof
With evidence of ingress of water into the building, it became apparent that the studio was in danger of becoming unfit for purpose. A Chartered Surveyor was engaged to report on the state of repair of the building and identify the urgency of any remedial work required.
Following submission of the report and in view of the age of the building LADVAA carried out a review of the studio facilities with particular reference to the suitability of the structure to serve its stated purpose within the community, in the light of modern environmental and energy saving requirements.
It was decided that the roof cover in should be renewed and the opportunity taken to treat the wooden structure against insect and fungal attack and to incorporate heat loss and draft proofing measures.
Efforts have been made to identify contractors to carry out the work who had the necessary expertise and experience of old buildings to effect a lasting renovation which would endure without further cost, well into the present century.
Because the cost and urgency of the work would be beyond the financial capability of the LADVAA membership, it has been decided to seek outside assistance. Thus the Committee have made the decision to apply for funding from Landfill Tax via Entrust and the Environmental body LACEWINGS. The application has been made in February 2009 to the authorities for their consideration.
