Completion of the project to convert West Street chapel into an artist’s studio has been celebrated with an official opening by the Mayor of Farnham, Councillor Jeremy Ricketts.

The Mayor welcomed guests to the refurbished chapel and explained how the idea to convert the chapel into an artists’ workshop came from a public consultation into the future of Farnham’s cemeteries.

In 2012, in collaboration with the Farnham Building Preservation Trust, Farnham Town Council commissioned a feasibility study and then applied for planning permission to convert the Grade II listed building into a workshop. The planning application was approved and work began in 2014.

Explaining what the project entailed, Councillor Carole Cockburn, Lead Member for the Cemeteries and Appeals Working Group said: “The chapel was in quite a bad way and required the skills of several craftsmen to bring it back to its former glory. The first phase involved structural repairs and window refurbishment followed by the replacement and repair of leaded lights. The final phase saw the fitting out of the interior and the resurfacing of the driveway and paths, which circle the former chapel. It is thanks to the care and attention of the craftsmen that this has been such a successful and sympathetic restoration project.”

The workshop is now occupied by Ian Bishop who is a Farnham based designer. Ian works in collaboration with architects, interior designers and creative, designing and making one-off and short production pieces in the general areas of applied sculpture, lighting, theming and bronze furniture. Ian’s multi-disciplinary approach has enabled him to work in a wide variety of areas using different materials and techniques.