Redlees Studios, Isleworth

Aims and objectives

• To provide affordable studio accommodation and facilities for Hounslow- based artists from a wide range of visual arts disciplines
• To run a programme of activities that is accessible to the whole community
• To create a dynamic visual arts community that will complement and enhance the current visual arts provision in the Borough of Hounslow
• To offer all local people the opportunity to experience and participate in the best possible visual arts practice
• To offer educational opportunities to local people through partnerships with schools, colleges and adult education
• In partnership with local employers, FE colleges and other educational institutions, to offer apprenticeships to local students. This especially applies to those in the council's equal opportunities target groups who wish to pursue a career in the arts.
• To actively encourage participation of the LBH Opportunities target groups
• To support artist development in the field of fine and applied arts.

Services offered

• Professional development  
• Education and artist training opportunities
• Disabled access
• Bi-annual open studio events
• Glass and ceramic kilns
• Gallery area
• Access to IT equipment

Benefits of co-location

Partnership working allows sharing of knowledge and thereby raises the profile of the studio. Members of the public are encouraged to participate in activities and events held at Redlees Studios, for example the twice yearly open studio event.

Success factors

As the local council provision for artists, managed by JLIS (John Laing Intergrated Services), Redlees is the cultural flagship for the borough.

The whole building is geared towards self-sufficiency, using the skills of the residents to run community workshops, arts and craft classes and support a varied programme of exciting new opportunities for local people.

As this provision increases, the council will use other buildings within the borough for artists to practise a wider variety of fine and applied arts.

Business/operational model

The building, the surrounding land and the park in which the building is located are the property of the Borough of Hounslow and are managed by JLIS. JLIS manages the venue on behalf of the London Borough of Hounslow and rental income supports the running of the facility.

Financing and delivery/procurement

The development was undertaken in three phases:





Funded through contributions from Hounslow Leisure Services and the Arts Council of England which created two large open plan studios, another fine art studio, a technology suite and equipment and a dark room.


The development of further studios and a reception area.

In 1998, money from the London Arts Board funded a three-year professional development and community arts programme for resident and local artists.

Measurement and monitoring

Regular monitoring of artists' work, especially during open studios.