Many thanks to Andy Knill, a member of the working party that organises the Artisans on the Beach event at the beach huts in Shore Road in Swanage.
Every Christmas the beach huts in Shore Road become pop up shops selling artwork and handmade crafts. The summer paraphernalia of buckets and spades are replaced with items like paintings, Christmas cards, crocheted hats, cushion covers and decorative goods.
Unique Christmas presents
Swanage attracts a lot of creative people and the Artisans on the Beach event offers an opportunity to have a temporary shop from which they can sell what they produce. The arts and crafts displayed in the beach huts, make interesting and unique Christmas presents, as well as providing an interesting place to browse while strolling along the seafront.
The event started in 2014, shortly after the new beach huts were constructed and has rapidly become an established fixture in Swanage at Christmas.
“On weekends we have up to 39 artisans representing craft skills from Purbeck but also people from outside Purbeck…The event is growing from year to year.”
Artist, Andy Knill
Why Andy Knill became an artist
“I actually started drawing and keeping sketchbooks in 2015 because I suffer from depression and I did it to switch off and for mindfulness…For the last three years I thought I’d have a go at this ‘being an artist’ thing because I use a medium which is different from other artists locally and I’m gradually selling more stuff and getting a reputation, usually of being fairly bonkers, but also of supporting other people and sharing ideas, which is what I like.”
Artist, Andy Knill
Contact details
Address: Swanage Information Centre, The White House, Swanage BH19 1LB
Phone: 01929 766018
