
FROME’S Silk Mill Studios recently won a national award for the ‘Best Creative Re-use of an Industrial Building’ after its restoration was completed last year.
The building in Merchants Barton, Saxonvale, was built in the 18th Century and now houses 224 arts and crafts studios. It was recognised with the first ever awards of their kind from the Association for Industrial Archaeology (AIA).
Keith Falconer, local man and chairman of the AIA said, “The restoration of the Silk Mill, the gateway to the Saxonvale site, has been a remarkable achievement that began some ten years ago when Damon and Kate Moore acquired the derelict mill which had lain empty and unloved for over 30 years.
“Extensive external masonry and roof repairs were followed by beam and joist renovations and a team of volunteers, led by members of the Moore family, built a huge spiral staircase, laid the floors and replaced each of the 72 windows.
“The new Silk Mill Gallery opened in 2008 and the community support generated by holding exhibitions, workshops and musical performances proved a key component in the renovation of the main four-storey section of the mill.
“Congratulations to Kate and Damon for spearheading the growth of alternative creative sectors in Frome with the restoration of the Silk Mill.”
The award was presented and a plaque installed on the wall on Wednesday 27th April.
The Fairfield Drawing office of the Govan Shipyard in Glasgow was also presented with the award.
To find out more about Silk Mill Studios go to www.silkmillstudios.co.uk