Lucinda Brown

Lucinda says: “I wrote a wish list just five years ago and making a living from my art, being with my husband Ken and living on this beautiful estate ticks all of my boxes.” She is a colourful character who has run a variety of businesses, from making hats to running a vegetarian restaurant and designing clothes. At 42 Lucinda decided to go back to university and study for a degree in 3D design ceramics at Wolverhampton University. She went on to become artist in residence at Bilston Community College and was then asked to become a member of the Design Workers Foundation in Wolverhampton, which was a government funded body helping graduates into business by offering a one year course in IT, business management and teaching.

By chance she visited Claydon House and was bowled over by its beauty. She says: “I looked at the lake and grounds and instantly wanted to live there. Then I had goose bumps when I saw a derelict building that I had dreamed about only a few weeks before. I asked if we could rent it but it had already been taken. Later I got a call to say the deal had fallen through and would I like to take it.” Lucinda and Ken moved into the granary in 2001 and began renovating it to turn it into her studio. Her work reflects her passionate personality – beautiful 3D faces with closed eyes sleep on ceramic pillows. The artist is inspired by beautiful and interesting faces and says she often stops people she meets to ask them to model for her. The gallery is open from 1 to 5pm Saturday to Wednesday. There will be a gift fair on December 10th in the restaurant on site.