Stormtroopers and Daleks will trade their villainous reputations for a day to protect Swindon’s artistic treasures.
Following the recent theft of Banksy’s “Howling Wolf” from Peckham, Swindon Open Studios (SOS) is enlisting the help of these sci-fi icons to safeguard the work of 20 local artists and craftspeople at The Carriage Works on 21st September.
The event promises to be more than just an art exhibition; it’s a full-on Family Fun Day where children are encouraged to dress as their favourite sci-fi characters, bringing a touch of Comicon flair to the heart of Swindon.
The Carriage Works will be bursting with creativity as the exhibition showcases a wide range of art forms. Visitors can expect to see paintings, pottery, digital art, photography, and jewellery, alongside exhibits from two children’s book authors. Adding to the excitement, Swindon New College will be demonstrating media make-up techniques, ensuring there’s something to captivate every visitor, young or old, with an interest in the arts.
This year’s Swindon Open Studios boasts a remarkable 130 participants spread across 56 venues in and around the town. However, the event at The Carriage Works is a unique opportunity, bringing together multiple artists in this iconic space before it undergoes a major renovation. For art enthusiasts, it’s a rare chance to experience such a diverse collection under one roof, all within a building that has been an integral part of Swindon’s heritage.
The brainchild of Mark and Anna Enright from Podpadstudios, the Family Fun Day will not only celebrate art but also offer a feast for sci-fi fans. The Enrights have worked closely with Swindon Borough Council and Create Studios to fill the vast Carriage Works space with life-size film props from their impressive collection. Visitors can look forward to seeing a Terminator-inspired robot, a steampunk Dalek, Dr Who’s K9, Star Wars droids, animatronic dragons, and even a life-size Batmobile. Adding to the spectacle, Stormtroopers from the MK Garrison will be on hand, raising funds for Prospect Hospice—a reminder that even Stormtroopers and Daleks have a softer side.
Entry to the Family Fun Day and Swindon Open Studios exhibition is completely free. The exhibition runs for the last two weekends of September, offering ample opportunity for the public to explore the creativity that Swindon has to offer. Don’t miss the chance to pick up a brochure from local libraries or view the event map online to plan your visit.
