Artistic mum and daughter duo open their first studio and art school

Artistic mum and daughter, Gwen and Amy Osbaldeston, have combined their creativity and opened the ‘Thread & Clay Art School’ on George Street.

Gwen is well-known locally, after teaching art and textiles at Glossopdale School for 36 years, retiring in 2022 after a 47-year teaching career. She particularly enjoyed teaching A-Level Textiles and Fine Art in which her daughter Amy was one of her keen students. Upon leaving college, Amy returned to her old school to help her mum in the classroom and gain further experience. 

In 2017 Gwen and Amy began selling their paintings, embroideries and pottery, many depicting the beautiful Peak District scenery, at local community events, winning prizes along the way. At the 2023 Hadfield Art Show, Amy won first prize for best textile piece, whilst Gwen was runner-up for the best overall artwork. 

Last year the duo, in Gwen’s words, ‘took the plunge’ and started the Thread & Clay Art School in a room at Hadfield Methodist Church, but it soon became time to find somewhere more permanent. Gwen says, “We were becoming tired of taking our materials there every week, and when a suitable premises came up it was a perfect time to move.” 

Gwen and Amy now run art classes and workshops, painting events, and private parties from Thread & Clay located in the artistic quarter of the town. 

The art course is already a favourite, as Amy explained: “The 12-week masterclass gives anyone, aged 18 and over, the chance to develop their painting and drawing skills. We cover acrylic, watercolour, gouache and more. All levels are welcome with beginners encouraged. All materials are included with an amazing art kit to keep.” 

One of their students, Sarah, who moved to Glossop last year, recently enrolled onto the art course saying: “Being new to the area, I wanted to branch out socially whilst learning a new skill. Gwen and Amy’s classes are perfect for me. The class size is quite small which provides more opportunities for one-to-one support and to get to know the others. My art has developed and improved greatly since January. I am so excited to see what the next term has in store.” 

It’s easy to spot the studio as Gwen and Amy display a range of their work in the window and invite people to come and take a look: “We’re expanding our offering here. The studio is open to the public every Monday from 10am-1pm and from 6-9pm when the art classes are on.”  

Gwen adds, “If people aren’t confident enough to do the 12-week course, there are monthly ‘Paint & Prosecco’ and ‘Canvas and a Cuppa’ events at the studio. Our aim is to be a destination in Glossop for people from near and far to learn art.” 

Events taking place in the next few weeks are: 

April 28th: 12-week art course begins 

April 29th: Canvas & a Cuppa 

May 15th: Paint Your Pet 

May 20th: Canvas and a Cuppa 

May 29th: Paint & Prosecco 

June 12th: Paint Your Partner 

For more information or to enquire about next art course email: threadnclayglossop@gmail.com or visit: www.threadandclay.com 

Photo: Gwen and Amy Osbaldeston outside Thread & Clay Art School. 

Photo and story credit: John Pasiecznik