Journal 25 April 2018
Glenside farm on the Dumfries House Estate is evolving into a pioneering arts centre
Over the next two years, The Jameel House of Traditional Arts and Building Skills will gradually emerge on Dumfries house farmland
It’s a misty – and rather chilly – morning at the Dumfries House Estate, but already work is well under way on the derelict farm buildings to the north east. Glenside Farm is on the brink of a huge transformation. The expansive site will evolve into The Jameel House of Traditional Arts and Building Skills, and will offer printmaking, ceramics and joinery amongst its course selection.
“Thanks to the generosity of Mohammed Jameel, this will be a remarkable facility for training the next generation of master craftsmen and women in the heritage sector,” says Simon Sadinsky, Deputy Executive Director for Education at The Prince’s Foundation. “A lot of these practices are as important today, if not more so, as they were in the past. In order to create harmonious, sustainable communities in the built environment, the use of materials and the understanding of tradition, symmetry and proportion are vital.”
The vast complex will span nearly two hectares, encompassing existing farm buildings that boast traditional Scottish architecture. In line with this agriculture design, additional larch cladding, slated roofs and rubber stone will complete the facility’s exterior. Inside, multi-purpose studio spaces and workshop hubs will foster collaboration across all crafts, in a bid to truly nurture cross-disciplinary craftsmanship. “What is unique about the centre is not only that all of these activities will be taking place, but also that they will all be linked,” says Sadinsky. “It’s a holistic approach that will benefit everyone involved.”