Words on Whitworth.
The next open studios at Mulberry Gardens, on Friday 26th June 2026 from 2-7pm, explores the way artists and writers use words for inspiration. The free entry includes various activities such as a writing workshop and an open mic from 6-7pm. Refreshments are available and art will be for sale.
After the success of the last event in May, the team have booked the same lovely weather (:-)). So everyone can enjoy chatting with artists and writers in the beautiful gardens.
Artists Helen Savin and Komic will display their poetry-inspired work. Incorporating their own haiku verses into handmade and hand-altered books. They are exploring different methods in their art practices to make the books a mix of words and images. Joining them in the potting shed is Zozo Thomas, author and illustrator, offering a chance to have a go at calligraphy or try illuminating some letters.
Podpadstudios will be showing their animatronic coach and dragons. And telling the fearsome origin story of the ‘baby’ (5’ long) dragons Stardust and Steel. Come along to find out how the wicked witch, Fortuna, stole them as eggs. And has been manipulating them ever since. Maybe you can finish their story, as there will be a dragon-based story writing activity.
Writing workshop
Joining us too is author Judith Cranswick. Judith writes cosy travel mysteries which all take place during a holiday. Her books will take you on a vicarious journey to foreign parts. She’ll be running 2 workshops. At 2:30pm she will be talking about her writing life, from writing short stories to travel mysteries, how she became a published novelist. Then at 3:30pm, Judith will be running a writing workshop – Everyone Can Write so why not come along and have a go!?
Open mic
At the end of the evening there’ll be an open mic run By Peter Pod Poet, from 6-7pm. Anyone can take part, reading prose or poems, of up to 3 minutes long, either their own work or something by another writer. Slots are allocated on a first come first served basis, see details below. Please bring your own picnic chair or rug to watch the open mic.
More details
Why not bring the family, get inspired and entertained! The event is from 2-7pm on Friday, 26th June 2026, at 225 Whitworth Road Swindon SN25 3BX. Entrance to the open studios is free. But donations towards the upkeep of the garden we accept with grateful thanks. It’s advisable to book so that the organisers can get an idea of numbers.
There’s limited disabled only parking on site so we encourage visitors to walk, come by public transport or park considerately locally and walk to the venue. To book see https://thomzodesigns.co.uk/openstudios2026. Or email anna@podpadstudios.co.uk
If you would like to appear on the open mic, slots will be booked on a first come first served basis, to register: email peterpod74@gmail.com or Whats App 07754 194670.
2:00pm studios open
Any time:General activities: Dragon story writing activity, calligraphy, illuminating letters.
2:30pm: Judith Cranswick talks about how she became a published novelist.
3:30pm: Judith Cranswick writing workshop – Everyone Can Write
6:00pm: Open Mic: run by Peter Pod Poet
7:00pm Studios close
Podpad studios …
… makes creations for film, TV and exhibitions and has a considerable catalogue of props for hire. It is a family business based in Swindon, run by husband and wife team, Anna and Mark Enright, who share a passion for prop making. Both directors have alter egos; catch up with Master Maker and Mrs Breaker on their YouTube Channel …. with over one million views across their social media platforms, no one is safe!
Zozo Thomas Author and Illustrator, Zozo Thomas has collaborated with Podpadstudios for open studios, for many years, as they are both based in the Rodbourne Cheney area of Swindon. Her illustrated children’s books, based on the plants and animals in a fictional version of her own garden, are fun for all the family.
Swindon Open Studios. The ever-popular Open Studios event is run entirely by volunteers. Artists all over Swindon open their studios or exhibit at other venues during the last two weekends of September. https://www.swindonopenstudios.org/
