Curator opens new studio in Rickinghall for art classes

A Suffolk woman has realised one of her dreams by opening an art studio in her home county.

Sue Ecclestone launched Lilac Cottage Studio in Rickinghall this week.

The studio will offer a range of art classes for all abilities in a purpose-equipped building located in the garden of her country cottage.

Sue, a freelance curator, moved back to Suffolk two years ago after working in London for five years.

She has now linked up with tutors from across the country to hold classes in various art forms, including oil painting, watercolour and pastels.

“We held our first class in oil painting this week and 12 people came along,” said 55-year-old Sue.

“When I moved back to Suffolk, I wanted to keep my connection to the art world going and opening the studio seemed a great way to do so.

“Our tutors are professional artists from across the country and the classes are for anyone, from beginner to intermediate, as well as specialist classes for those more advanced.

“There will also be master technique classes for those wishing to emulate the styles of artists such as Rembrandt and Caravaggio.”

Sue, who first trained in art history at the University of East Anglia and then at University College London, is also the founder of an art prize for women, called the Holly Bush Emerging Woman Painter Prize.

“I have championed women in art as they are often overlooked,” said Sue. “Any women painters can enter and I will definitely be encouraging class members.”