Art workshops support fundraising to rebuild historic Shrewsbury house that was badly damaged in tragic fire

Artists have been hosting workshops as they support fundraising to rebuild an historic Shrewsbury house.

Sunday (August 9) saw artists working out of the English Bridge Workshops in the town, hosting a series of taster workshops.

The funds raised from the day will go towards the campaign to raise money to rebuild Shrewsbury’s Perches House.

The historic building suffered major damage in a tragic fire that also claimed the life of its owner, Rose Roberts, earlier this year.

Sunday’s fundraiser was organised by friends of Rose’s daughter, Jess Richards, a key figure in Shrewsbury’s arts scene - who also set up the fundraiser to ”save the house that Rose built”.

Collage artist Caris Jackson, who is based at the English Bridge Workshops, was one of those running events at the day.

Those taking part had the chance to try their hand at one of four mediums: collage, lino work, badge-making, and gel printing.

More than 80 people turned out for the event, with some travelling from Whitchurch to get involved.

The event raised around £450, with more expected to come in.

Caris said the artistic community in the town had wanted to show their support for Jess.

She said: “We wanted to do something to support the fundraising, we all know Jess and a lot of us knew Rose as well.

“Some of us have sold artwork through Jess’s business, so it was a way of doing something to support the fundraising and raise awareness and keep people talking about it.”

Caris said they had been delighted with the turnout for the event.

“It has been a fantastic day. People were saying that they did not really know what happens at the English Bridge Workshops so it was great for the visibility of the building as well.”

Caris said that further fundraising is in the process of being organised, with a host or artists donating pieces to be sold in an effort to support the campaign.