History
A creative home since 1957
1957
1959
Our timeline
The vision of Henry Morris
Digswell Arts Trust was founded in 1957 by Henry Morris, a pioneering educationalist who believed that art and artists were vital to the wellbeing of society. The Trust was formally inaugurated by Lady Mountbatten on 29 May 1959.
Morris had been appointed to the Ministry of Town and Country Planning, where he advised on cultural and leisure provision within Britain’s newly designated towns. He passionately believed that art should be accessible to everyone and that artists should play an active role in society.
Through his energy, dedication and influence, Morris persuaded the Government and Welwyn Garden City Development Corporation to establish a trust for professional artists.
Image caption: Henry Morris, founder of Digswell Arts Trust
Digswell House and its artists
Digswell House became the Trust’s first home. The Regency mansion, cottages and outbuildings were restored by Welwyn Garden City Development Corporation to provide accommodation, studios and workshops for artists.
The property was leased to the Trust at a modest rent, making it possible to offer affordable working and living space. The participating artists became known as Digswell Arts Fellows—a name that continues to be used today.
Nearly 150 artists were accommodated at Digswell House over the following 27 years. Some went on to achieve national and international recognition, while many others developed successful and influential creative careers.
Notable artists
Artists who lived and worked at Digswell House included Hans Coper, Michael Andrews, John Brunsden, John Mills, James Butler, Peter Collingwood, Ralph Brown, Liz Fritsch, Lol Coxhill.
New homes and new opportunities
As the Trust developed, it established studios at several locations across Hertfordshire. Each move enabled Digswell Arts to continue providing affordable space and professional support to artists.
1984
Attimore Hall Barn
Over time, Digswell House required substantial repairs that the Trust was unable to support financially. In 1984, the Trust moved to Attimore Hall Barn, near Welwyn Garden City, where it remained until 2006.
1993
Fairlands Valley Farmhouse
In 1993, Stevenage Borough Council agreed to lease Fairlands Valley Farmhouse to the Trust. This expanded the Trust beyond its existing base and doubled the studio space available to artists.
2006
The Forge
With support from English Partnerships, the Trust took a 25-year lease on purpose-built studios on the site of the former forge in Digswell. The building became known as The Forge.
2011–2024
Fenners Building
Working in partnership with Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation, the Trust opened an additional studio facility at the Fenners Building in Letchworth in 2011.
Supporters of the Trust
Over the years, many distinguished artists, writers, architects and cultural figures supported the development of Digswell Arts. Their encouragement and advocacy helped the Trust establish its reputation and continue its work.
Notable supporters included Henry Moore, Herbert Read, Bryan Robertson, Roland Penrose, Jane Drew, Jack Pritchard, and Victor Margrie.
Image caption: Henry Moore;
Further images:
http://c6247068.myzen.co.uk/index.php?/lotus-cars/digswell-house-artists-1958/
http://bit.ly/DigswellByWalmsley
Digswell Arts today
More than six decades after its foundation, Digswell Arts continues Henry Morris’s vision by providing affordable studios, creative exchange and professional opportunities for emerging artists.
Today, the Trust operates from The Forge in Digswell, where Fellows work alongside one another as part of a supportive artistic community.
Explore the timeline
Discover the key moments, locations and developments that have shaped Digswell Arts since 1957.
