A CREATIVE hub available for use by photographers, artists and businesses has been launched in a picture-perfect Tynedale setting.

The Northumberland Studio, in the grounds of Wheelbirks Farm at Broomley, near Stocksfield, officially opened to the public earlier this month, and realises a long-held ambition for resident photographer Duncan Edward.

“I left school in Belfast when I was 15 and my first job was with a commercial photographer there,” explained Duncan, who went on to become head of Canon’s London business centre.

“It was at a time when the troubles in Northern Ireland were still in full swing, so I saw some pretty unpleasant things through the camera lens.

“After about four years, I was encouraged to get a ‘proper job’ and photography took a back seat and became more of a hobby.”

Duncan, who is a former director of Activ Telecom and former commerical director of Newcastle Falcons, said settling in Tynedale with partner Verony Chalmers and their children Campbell (8) and Faye (5) provided the perfect opportunity to pursue his love of photography once more.

“We’ve looked at locations for studios in the past and never felt it was right for one reason or another, but we rent a house on the farm (Wheelbirks) and one day Hugh mentioned the old workshop was available.”

Brothers Hugh and Tom Richardson are the latest generation of the Richardson family to run the farm, which is well-known for the milk produced by a pedigree Jersey herd and the extremely popular ice cream parlour.

Verony, who works for a financial management firm in Boldon, said: “Duncan probably started picking up the camera again when we got our Labrador, Bracken, and then more so when the children came along.

“Most photographers will probably tell you that taking on a studio of your own is a big risk, because you have the challenge of making it pay all the time.

“That is why we thought it would be good to make it available to other photographers looking for a space to use and artists who want to exhibit their work.

“We’ve done a lot of research and spoken to a lot of people, and there seems to be a real gap in the area for a space like it.”

Since January, the couple have been working to transform the 800 sq ft workshop into a fully-fitted photographic studio, complete with lighting and equipment, which can be hired by the hour or by the day.

The traditional stone walls also lend themselves as exhibition space for artists from across the North-East and Scottish Borders, many of whom have already been lined up to stage month-long exhibitions at the newly-opened studio.

Meanwhile, businesses in need of space away from the office for meetings, seminars and workshops can also book the studio.

Verony added: “Our aim is to provide the region with a venue and service that photographers and artists can utilise to support their own careers and aspirations, in addition to supporting what Duncan does.”

For more information on The Northumberland Studio and the programme of art exhibitions planned until the end of the year, you can visit www.thenorthumberlandstudio. com