Persistence Works

24th February 2015

21 Brown St, Sheffield S1 2BS

Tour led by - Yorkshire Artspace

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In February we had a guided tour around Persistence Works Studios in Sheffield. Run by Yorkshire Artspace, the space was designed by Feilden Clegg Bradley Architects in 2000 and provides a variety of sizes of art studios for artists starting out, winning a number of awards for its design since its opening. Whilst the public are often invited into the main reception area and sometimes the atrium, it was a rare treat to get a glimpse of the rest of the building and see how it works for its inhabitants.

Past the entrance / reception space, the design is relatively simple; with a central atrium running the length of the building with loading docks either end. Circulation spaces sit either side with studios of varying sizes off at a number of levels, as well as associated kitchen, WC and meeting facilities. Where the ingenuity comes in however, is the clever use of materials and detailing of spaces.

Studio doors are extra high with removable panels, areas of the building are specifically left blank to encourage personalisation and artistry, blocks are laid flat with mortar to match giving generic blockwork a new life and the exterior concrete was cleverly detailed and coated to prevent staining - making sure the building doesn't act its age!

The tour leader had lots of interesting insights into the building and was happy to answer any questions - another great tour!