West Street Chapel is now a working artist’s workshop

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.

The project entailed 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 Ian to work in a wide variety of areas using different materials and techniques.

The studio is involved in the Heritage Open Days project annually.