We are delighted to invite you to our Forge Open Studios this summer at The Forge on Hertford Road, Digswell. This much-loved event offers art enthusiasts and curious visitors alike the chance to discover the vibrant creative community within our studios. Best of all, entry is completely free, so do bring family and friends along for a weekend of inspiration and conversation.

A Brief History of The Forge

The Forge has grown from a modest workshop into a flourishing multi-artist hub, nurturing creativity in a wide range of media. As we approach our Open Studios for 2025, we’re proud to continue Henry Morris’s legacy by opening our doors and sharing the stories behind each studio door.

Event Details

Dates & Times

• Saturday 21 June 2025 11:00 – 18:00
• Sunday 22 June 2025 11:00 – 16:00

Location

• The Forge
• Hertford Road, Digswell, Herts, AL6 0BU

Entry

• Absolutely free—drop in any time during opening hours.

Meet the Exhibiting Artists

During Forge Open Studios 2025, you’ll have the opportunity to meet and chat with nearly twenty artists and print members. Below is a full list of those opening their studios over the weekend:

• Elena Turner
• Katy Cook
• Sandra Smith
• Liberty Burrough
• Magdalena Gluszak-Holeksa
• Sue Jarman
• Grete Dalum
• Caryl Beach
• Rosie Rigg
• Rebecca Newman-Smith
• Heather Ellis
• Paul Habben
• Tina Culverhouse
• Stephen Brown
• Molly Hagan
• Veronika Peat

Many of our artists work across painting, printmaking, ceramics, textiles, sculpture and illustration. Whether you’re interested in buying an original piece, commissioning a bespoke artwork, or simply want to learn more about an artist’s process, Forge Open Studios is the perfect chance to engage with practising creatives in their own workspace.

What to Expect

Studio Tours & Conversations

• Wander through sunlit workspaces to view finished pieces in situ. Each artist’s studio will be open for you to explore, and you’re welcome to chat informally about their process, inspiration and working methods. From mixing pigments for encaustic painting to selecting fabrics for a textile piece, this is your opportunity to ask questions and see exactly how ideas become artworks.

Unique Artwork for Sale

• Many artists will have pieces available to purchase directly from their studios. If you’re looking for a special gift or simply want to bring home a one-off piece, you’ll find an eclectic range of prints, ceramics, textiles and mixed-media work.

Family Friendly

• Forge Open Studios is suitable for all ages—families are warmly invited to explore the studios together. While there are no dedicated children’s workshops planned, younger visitors often enjoy seeing artists at work and asking questions about how materials and techniques come together. 

Plan Your Visit

Getting Here

• The Forge is easily reached by car or by bus from Welwyn Garden City station. If you’re travelling by bicycle, please feel free to leave your bike in the secure racks inside our gate.

Accessibility

• All ground-floor studios are wheelchair-accessible. If you require assistance or have any specific questions about access, please email us at info@digswellarts.org before the event.

Parking 

• Parking is available on-site and on the street next to The Forge. In the event that these spaces are full, additional parking is available at the Digswell Park Road (Viaduct) Car Park, just a short five-minute walk away.

Why You Should Come

Forge Open Studios is more than just an exhibition—it’s an invitation into the beating heart of Digswell Arts. Visitors consistently tell us how enriching it is to see where and how our artists work, ask questions about materials and methods, and gain a deeper appreciation for contemporary practice. Whether you’re a dedicated art collector or simply after a creative day out, this free event is not to be missed.

Mark your calendar for 21–22 June 2025, and join us at The Forge on Hertford Road, Digswell. Step through our doors, meet the faces behind the art, and experience the passion that fuels this community. We look forward to welcoming you.

Digswell Arts is committed to nurturing artistic talent and engaging with our local community. Forge Open Studios is part of our ongoing effort to make contemporary art accessible to everyone.