Established by knitwear designer Kathryn Spence Studio 50 is a unique and characterful creative space nestled in the heart of Hove East Sussex.
It was originally one of the stables servicing the large Regency homes of Brunswick Square and dates back to the 1800’s. When cars replaced horses it transitioned into a car mechanics’ garage which is how it remained until Kathryn converted it into a creative studio space in early 2019.
Relocating to Brighton from London a few years ago Kathryn was on the hunt for a large studio space from which to run her knitwear label 11Everything & comfortably house her industrial knitting machines. After much searching and a realization that there was a shortage of adequate sized studio spaces for designers in Brighton, Kathryn was lucky enough to stumble upon this empty garage up for rent....
She bit the bullet and decided to take on this large space, and after much cleaning and painting the place started to take shape as a studio. Everyone who saw the empty space had suggestions for how it could be used - art gallery, events space, even a music venue!
However, Kathryn decided to stick to her original plan and split the ground floor into good sized affordable workspaces, making them available to other local designer makers who may be struggling to find space to accommodate large pieces of work, stock or textile equipment.
Kathryn had always coveted a place in which she could showcase her knitwear in the same location that it is hand produced. The large newly converted open plan studio lent itself perfectly to having a showroom & pop up shop situated at the front of the space.
The studio evolved and as various creatives became involved the shop area grew, doubling up as an events space hosting everything from arm knitting workshops to gong baths!
Currently Kathryn and three other small creative brands work collectively at Studio 50, with the shop area showcasing pieces sourced or
handcrafted by the residents, and hosting a number of fabulous creative workshops & events.
