STARS is a resource centre for the study and practice of visual arts. The centre provides support facilities and equipment for practicing artists which are not easily available outside education institutions.
The centre also offers courses and demonstrations on a wide range of painting and printmaking techniques - both historic and contemporary.
Introductory courses on the care and conservation of works of art are also offered. These courses are suitable for artists and for private collectors, collection care managers and volunteers working in the public or private sectors.
The STARS centre is located in the Allen Mill Regeneration Centre which is a ‘green’ development site set in an area of outstanding natural beauty overlooking the Allen river on the outskirts of Allendale in Northumberland.
The centre comprises
- Work and study space for artists, art historians and related disciplines.
- Demonstration area for short courses and demonstrations relating to the care of paintings and traditional painting and printmaking techniques.
- A range of historic printing presses
- Displays of historic materials and practices relating to painting and printmaking.
- Reference library relating to artists’ materials and techniques.
- Large collection of engraved wood blocks, copper etchings and engravings, hand printed impressions from some of the collection may be purchased.
- High quality stationary including hand printed greetings cards and bookplates etc.
- Advice and consultancy on fine art collections care.
- Future developments include a sales area for artists’ materials, paper, canvas, inks and paints.