Flameworks 'Rain Proof The Roof'

Aim

Flameworks desperately needs to raise funds to rain proof the roof and fix the upstairs artist studios and the communal ceramics workshops.

WHO ARE FLAMEWORKS?

Established in 2000 by former staff and students of Plymouth College of Art, Flameworks is one of the largest artist-led studio spaces in Devon and Cornwall. Flameworks is a Not for Profit Community Interest Company managed by a board of directors and volunteers with two paid staff working one day a week each. Its home and heart is in a large industrial unit with waterfront views in Devonport, Plymouth. 

Situated on Richmond Walk alongside Stonehouse Creek, Flameworks is home to 21 artists with numerous disciplines in painting and signwriting, stained glass and glass casting, jewellery, ceramics, blacksmithing, metalwork and more. Flameworks is best known for its wonderful communal forge area and communal ceramics workshops.

Flameworks is generously supported by Plymouth City Council through its Service Level Agreement which results in affordable rent for us and our artists. As a non profit organisation our priorities are to provide affordable studios, education and community engagement activities. We hold very little in the way of cash reserves so major investment into the building to secure its future will require financial support. Unfortunately, right now,  some of these studios and workspaces are getting wet and are under threat! 

SO WHY ARE FLAMEWORKS FUNDRAISING?

Before Flameworks took over the lease of the building 23 years ago it had been a boat repair shop. At some point in the past, an extension was built onto the side of the original workshop. This extension is right next to the water, with a flat roof and a small gully joining the two roofs. Time has not been kind to this extension and its roof. Over the years there have been patch jobs and make-do repairs which have extended the life of the roof but it now needs a significant repair. 

As you can imagine, and know, when it rains in Plymouth it pours and this tired, old, patched-up flat roof and its teeny tiny gully are not able to sustain the volumes of rain. The often torrential downpours are leaking into the upstairs studios and the communal ceramics workshops underneath. This threatens the very essence of what Flameworks stands for - a space for creativity, learning, and community.

The Mission: Rain Proof the Roof!

We're on a mission to raise £15,000 to repair and rainproof the roof, ensuring the longevity of our cherished space. Your generosity is not only helping fix the immediate issue but also supporting a broader range of improvements, including electrical upgrades, window replacements, and more.

We urgently need your support to Rain Proof the Roof and repair the damage to the studios!

WHAT FLAMEWORKS ARE FUNDRAISING FOR:

We are looking for £15,000 to fund these repairs and your generosity is vital to support us with reaching our target to enable these improvements to the roof and the building. With your help we will then be able to rain proof the roof and so much more. This is what the funding will cover:

• Removal of the old flat roof
• Replacement of the wooden roof structure
• Felting and coating of the roof
• Fascia boards and fixings
• Internal ceiling replacements of artist studios and communal ceramic workshops
• Electrical upgrade to the lighting in the corridor underneath the flat roof  
• Window replacements within the building where the frames have rotted. 
• paint to redecorate the artist studios and communal ceramic workshops
• labour costs 
• Transaction fees 2.4% + 20p plus VAT per transaction goes to Crowdfunder 

By hiring a roofing specialist to carry out the work on the roof and repair the damage that has been incurred in the studios below Flameworks will be able to get the studios dry and usable for workshops and teaching. Returning our capacity to host essential crafts workshops for members of the public and young people to come and enjoy hands-on experiences, that are proven to improve participant's well-being. 

Once we have replaced the water-damaged ceilings of the studios underneath the flat roof (see image below) we will be hiring Electrical contractors to replace the lighting electrical fittings with LEDs throughout the upstairs corridor and studios affected, to become safer and more environmentally efficient.

Your Impact: Beyond a Dry Roof

By contributing, you're not just fixing a roof; you're revitalising a space for essential crafts workshops, education, and community engagement. Flameworks plays a vital role in improving participants' well-being through hands-on experiences, and your support ensures we can continue this mission.

Rain damage from the most recent downpour in one of the upstairs artist studios.

FLAMEWORKS REWARDS

We have some wonderful makers in Flameworks whose studios and communal teaching workshops have been affected by the water damage. They have donated some excellent works to help us raise these funds to Rain Proof the Roof plus more. Please help us reach our target by pledging for these great rewards, here's a taster of them below:

Enamel Pin Badge

Flameworks Screen Printed T Shirt

Spoonfest Tickets only available via this Crowdfunder

Studded Earrings by Rachel Darbourne

Blue Bottle Lamp by Stephen Thompson

A pair of Oath rings by Luke Axworthy

Marble Tea Pot by Kevin Jenkins

Silver Eucalyptus Cone earrings by Bonnie Mustoe-Whitehill

This winged Vessel by Mathias Landwehr

Hand painted 'Fool' Sign by Camilla Rose Signwriter

Here's a beautiful glass Panel by Toni Fairhead

These Lampworked glass pendants by Tobias Davies

This Small Vessel by Mathias Landwehr

'Pluie' Vase donated by Tweeny Van Mierlo (from the Pottery)

Basket Weaving Course by Angie Wickenden

A Colourful hand thrown Porcelain Bowl by Helen Harrison

Norton Motorbike Engine Screen Print by Camilla Rose

A mixed media painting by Karen Pawley (16"x 16") in a white frame.

There's a fantastic (unframed) Photograph by Chris Parkes of Mohamad Bangura

Beautiful Gold and Silver bangle by Peter Reeves

Master Glass Painter Glenn Carter's Dove 

This small round pot by Mathias Landwehr

Awesome Swivel Silver and Gold Ring by Peter Reeves

Amber Del Mer blown vessel by Emmy Palmer

Set of four thrown stacking bowls by Kevin Jenkins

Little leather coin pouch by Bill Blaikie

Turquoise little leather pouch by Bill Blaikie

Smeatons Tower Lighthouse Mosaic by Stuart Mad Rider Morrisey

VOUCHER TO ROAM

Forged Candlesticks by Paul Ager

Necklace by Fiona

Naked Raku Vase (small) by Christina

One of the large lucky dip statement necklaces available by Val Muddyman. 

Naked Raku Vase Large by Christina Peters

Helen Harrison Espresso cups

Another Large Lucky dip Beautiful Jesmonite & Silver statement jewellery by Val Muddyman

Lucky dip. Colourful Polymer Clay earrings by Jess at Sage and Jupiter.

Create your own Copper & Crystal Chest in a workshop with Noah Taylor.

REWARDS THAT HAVE BEEN PLEDGED ON: Thank you you give us warm feelings and we love you for your support

The Engine Shop Sign by Camilla Rose

£100 Voucher from KNEAD PIZZA 

£100 Voucher from Lord High Admiral

Christmas Tree Glass by Glenn Carter

Here's a beautiful Glass Rime Bowl By Toni Fairhead

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made