Artists buy 14th Century hall to save studios

A 14th Century house has been bought by the artists who work there to "save it" from being sold into private ownership.

Brougham Hall, just outside Penrith, Cumbria, has been a home to artists for more than 20 years, but faced closure in 2024 after the charitable trust which owned it decided to close.

Instead of losing it, the tenants decided to form Brougham Hall CIC and buy the hall at a "much reduced price" through personal investments and grants.

One of the artists, Isabella Lepri, said it was important to save as it was "an extraordinary place for artists to have space to work".

Along with Ms Lepri, the new ownership group is made up of local artists Mary Chappelhow, Susan Clough, Ellen Pogson, Sara Last and Chris Philips.

Now Brougham Hall CIC is trying to raise £80,000 to make the hall more "habitable and safe", as well as put in place future plans.

Ms Clough said the community in the hall felt "like a family" and they were striving to develop it.

The group hopes the money raised can go towards expanding the community of artists, after funding "urgent repairs".

Ms Pogson said the move meant they were able to keep the space as somewhere for people to be "making", which would "inspire future generations".

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