PAINTERS, sculptors, stone carvers and makers of beautiful rush seated chairs are throwing open their studio doors to the public this weekend. 

The second and last of the 2022 Marchmont Open Studios Weekends will be a treat for all the family – offering the chance to meet artists and makers, browse the Makers’ Market and take tours of the magnificent house and its outdoor sculpture collection. 

There will also be Kids’ Workshops by artist Georgie Faye on Saturday with entertainment from the Rowanbank Forest Circus Performers on Sunday.  

Border Telegraph: Frippy Jameson - whose sculptures are in the Walled Garden Frippy Jameson - whose sculptures are in the Walled Garden

Marchmont House, near Greenlaw, and the Marchmont Studios which have been created in its grounds, are an art-lover’s dream – and a wonderful place to enjoy beautiful landscapes and woodlands. 

The weekend (August 27-28) is an opportunity to see and experience the way that Marchmont is being transformed into a home for artists and makers. 

The Makers’ Market features textiles by Arra Textiles, (Lucy Macdonald), botanical artist Marianne Hazlewood, leather goods Roslyn Leather,  (Roslyn Whiting), millinery by Ginger & Teal and pottery from Redbraes  Pottery. 

There are also social enterprise stalls supported by the Marchmont Makers Foundation; QEST (Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust), ReTweed and Allanbank Arts  who provide spaces and skills for everyone to access their creative abilities. 

Border Telegraph: Michelle de Bruin at Marchmont HouseMichelle de Bruin at Marchmont House

Food and drink will be available – including salads and home baking from Marchmont’s own kitchens. 

The event is free with a suggested donation of £3 to the Marchmont Makers Foundation to support artist residencies and local community projects. 

To make sure it’s all as relaxed as possible tickets need to be booked in advance, with arrival times spread out across each day. 

The outdoor tours, which cost £12.50 plus an online booking fee, are a chance to see sculptures dating from the early 18th century to 2021, including abstract work, classical figures, growing works and pieces inspired by the trees and landscape of the estate. 

There are also House Tours costing £17.50 (plus booking fee) which is a chance to see inside a house that contains some of the finest Georgian and Arts & Crafts interiors in Scotland.