Forge2 History

Forge 2 is a collaboration of 3 local artists:  Clare Eguchi - Painter, Chris Wiggins - Textile Artist and Debbie McCullough - Ceramist.  The building, until recently a working forge for 35 years, nestles in the village of Culworth which straddles the pretty counties of North Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire and Warwickshire.

Our idea was to create an open studio where we each of us could work in the company of like-minded artists. A place where we could exchange ideas and follow new creative directions, fueled by the energy of kindred spirits.  A place where we could showcase our own work, learn from each other and join forces creatively.

 Of course, we all love the satisfaction that comes when someone expresses the ultimate compliment to our creativity and actually buys a piece of our work. So why not operate as a gallery too?  So, after  period of building renovation, Forge 2 was opened to other artists, both local and from across the UK creating a focal point for those with an interest in the arts.  A venue where people could experience new and different art and design craft.

We really wanted Forge 2 to attract a wide range of people, so we have worked hard to keep the gallery transitional by organizing five completely contrasting exhibitions through the first  year.  We have enjoyed supporting some really talented young artists from our local school six form, foundation year students and young graduates from local Art colleges. Our first year was a very steep learning curve and a fast track course in business management, something we knew little about in recent years!  But amazingly and despite the recession we have stayed afloat and have not had to borrow any money to do so! 

We have had the good sense to close during the months of January, February and March.  A period of extreme cold experienced at Forge2 in our first year and decided that this period in 2010  was best spent in the warmth of our homes planning for the year ahead!

So here we are one year in selling a wealth of carefully chosen unique and unusual British Art and Design Craft from beautiful paintings, automata, ceramics, glass, textiles, sculpture, wooden toys, jewelry and mixed media.