1853 Studios and Gallery is a Creative Studios and community of creative professionals occupying the 3rd floors of Osborne Mill, Oldham. We have affordable and high quality studios for all different creative practices. We also have adaptable gallery spaces suitable for exhibitions, workshops and events. As well as a curated programme of exhibitions and activities, our gallery spaces are also available to hire. Our mission is to create a welcoming, cultural hub in the heart of Oldham that serves the creatives of Greater Manchester.
Our Team
Rachel Nettles (she/her)
Founder and Studio Manager
Hi I’m Rachel Nettles and I am mainly known as a successful textile artist. In January 2019, the opportunity arose to create artist studios in Osborne Mill, which is located in Chadderton, Oldham. The perfect location to incorporate all those ideas for a studio, which I had gathered over the years. I knew I didn’t want the studios to be cold, poorly run and perhaps a piece of plaster would fall on my head! So my aspiration is to make the studios to a high specification, which are safe, heated and conducive to artists and creative businesses.
Contact me directly via rachel@1853studios.co.uk for any general or studio space enquiries!
Luca Shaw (she/her)
Studio Creative Director
I’m Luca, a multidisciplinary artist and curator. My work extends across drawing, printmaking, painting and theatre. I previously co-founded Underbank Studios in Stockport in 2021 and have worked with a variety of arts organisations.
I joined 1853 Studios in 2023 and I’m excited to be working with a bustling creative community to develop a programme of public events, exhibitions and arts engagement activities in the Studios.
Contact me directly via luca@1853studios.co.uk to discuss exhibitions, hires, artist development opportunities or any other collaboration ideas!
Our Heritage
The “old” Mill was built in 1853. The Osborne Mill is actually two mills, one built in 1853 and the other 1902. Together they had over 120,000 spindles; their usage was for “King Cotton”. Abraham Stott (owner) had a son; William. He was a successful artist with his father being a devoted supporter. His work can be seen on display at the Tate gallery London. I’m sure he would be pleased to know that his mill is giving creative people opportunity so many years later.
William Stott
The painter William Stott was the mill owners son. After studying in Oldham and Manchester School of Art he went to Paris and studied under the French painter Jean-Léon Gérôme. He achieved rapid success, exhibiting regularly at the Paris Salon.
Meet some of the 1853 family
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Steve
Steve is a sculptor and photographer
“I spoke to Rachel, went to the studio to meet her and I just thought it was absolutely brilliant what she was doing. We got on like a house on fire and I was really impressed with what she had set up and the way it’s was organised. It’s such a great space to work in and I just love the whole idea of it all, fabulous”.
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Sophie
Sophie is an artist who paints in oils
“These studios are professionally run, it couldn't be more secure. If you need you can enter the workspace at any hour of the day or night and feel safe. I can heat the space. I can work, whatever the conditions outside are. So that's why I'm here because she promised a very professional environment and that's what I've got.”
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Bill
Bill is a photographer and abstract collage artist
“This place chose me. As soon as Rachel opened the door, I knew. We walked from the main door to the lift just joking around, and I immediately felt at home. Like I've known it all my life. When I come to work, this is my space, this is where I can be me.”
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Sean
Sean at Audiostorm makes boutique guitar effects pedals and attenuators.
“I Immediately felt a sense of community. Other places I visited were empty, sparce and just cold as well as expensive. Here people were actively doing things which creates a communal motivation. Studios are value for money with health, safety and security second to none. From the outset there was honesty and integrity from Rachel about renting the studio which was so refreshing.“
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Rachel
Rachel at Number 54 Design Studio specialises in bespoke upholstery services.
“I came across 1853 studios via the Instagram page, instantly loved their ethos and subsequently went on to visit the workspace. A year on, it’s the best decision I ever made! Being part of a creative collective of likeminded people has led to new friendships and some great collaborative work opportunities.”
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Jake
Jake Talbot is a playwright from Oldham and Co-Founder of Theatre Company, Dare to Know Theatre.
“I chose 1853 studios because I needed a space, away from home and 1853 offered a great space at an affordable price. It’s allowed me to take my work to the next level and there’s a great artistic community at the studios.”