We're Officially Award-Winning! 🎉
I am absolutely thrilled to share some very exciting news with you... The Colour Factory Studios has won a prestigious award at the recent Winchester Business Excellence Awards!
Emily Smith, Carol Wade, Rachael Alexander, Rosie Parmley and Jenny Muncaster at Winchester Cathedral during the Winchester Business Excellence Awards 2026 ceremony.
It was fantastic, for starters, to attend the awards ceremony alongside my fellow artists as a nominee in the Creative and Cultural sector. We had a proper night out — and I don't go "out out" that often! The evening was made even more magical as it was held within the beautiful grounds of Winchester Cathedral, surrounded by incredible architecture and such a special atmosphere.
To be among so many inspiring local businesses and organisations, including our local councillors, the Mayor and our local MP, was a wonderful experience. It was a real celebration of the creativity, talent, passion and dedication that exists across our amazing city and surrounding area.
But to then hear my studio, The Colour Factory, announced as the winner was simply incredible. We were absolutely delighted — and we now have a trophy proudly sitting in the studio gallery amongst the artworks.
Winner: The Colour Factory, Creative and Cultural Award 2026.
This award means so much because it recognises everything that The Colour Factory represents: creativity, community, connection, learning and the belief that art really is for everyone.
I set up The Colour Factory in 1994, over 30 years ago, after leaving art school, with a dream of creating a space where creativity could be shared, nurtured and celebrated. My mission was to provide somewhere that people could come together to explore ideas, learn new skills, build confidence and experience the joy of making art.
Today, The Colour Factory is home to artist studios, a gallery, workshops, exhibitions and a wonderful creative community, all based in our beautiful Edwardian bungalow set on the edge of the park in the heart of Winchester. Over 30 years, it has become a place where artists, students, visitors and the wider community can meet, experiment, learn and be inspired.
I have always been passionate about making art accessible to everyone, whatever their experience or confidence level. There is nothing I love more than seeing someone pick up a paintbrush, try something new and discover that creativity belongs to them too.
This award is a celebration of every artist who has worked here, every student who has joined a class, every visitor who has stepped through our doors, and everyone who has supported our colourful journey.
I feel incredibly grateful to share this adventure with my fellow artists and our amazing creative community. Together, we will continue to inspire, encourage and spread the joy of making art for another 30 years (and hopefully many more!).
Thank you for being part of our colourful story — we couldn't have done it without you. 💛
Come and see the trophy for yourself! Visit The Colour Factory gallery — open every Friday, 12–5pm, or by appointment — or book onto one of our art classes.
