When Philip first told me we had to move the workshop out of Hassop Road, my initial feeling was apprehension. I knew this would be a big task ahead and I really had very little experience of how to manage this - How does one go about finding a new workshop? How will we move everything? But it didn’t take long for the excitement at the prospect of a new chapter to creep in between the worry of the logistics.

Diving headfirst into the mission, we scoured the internet and every resource we could find. Some prospective options arose and we enjoyed visiting new spaces, but rather soon we fell deep into the goldilocks effect - ‘Too big’, ‘Too small’, ‘Too much work needed’ etc… Then one day, Philip suggested the possibility of moving back to the space he had rented previously, in Robert Blair School, and suddenly ‘Ah, just right!’

I joined the team only in Autumn 2020 so I was in the minority position of never having been to, nevertheless worked in this space. I had, however, always heard Philip and Mathieu reminiscing fondly of their time there and I was thrilled to also get to experience it. Having seen pictures of this large, light, and open space, I thought we had hit the jackpot, however of course it was not going to be so easy!

On our first visit, it was clear time and neglect had played their part and work was going to need to be done before we could make this the workshops home again…

But still the important and characterful details remained, such as the stunning wooden floorboards and large, imposing windows, not to mention the sheer abundance of space!

After a few hard weeks of planning, cleaning, stripping, sanding, painting, and building, we were ready to move in.

Philip really focussed on making sure each item of furniture was in the perfect place for both practicality and aesthetics and I enjoyed this peek into the makers mindset, The duality of functionality and beauty! Each of the workbenches were thoughtfully placed, so they were both autonomous and yet integrated. I too have been given special consideration; the desk is perfectly positioned to overlook all three of the workbenches (to keep a special eye on everyone!), we each have our own space and role to play and yet most importantly we can each easily interact with one another.

Independently together - Photo by Marius

The most important aspect of the new workshop for me, however, is the acoustics for testing the instruments. A large structure can be difficult, as it can be too boomy. Whilst this can be fun to play in, it can also be deceptive, as it often makes it difficult to really hear the true sound of the instrument. I am pleased to report that this is not a problem here! The acoustic panelling and large wall of wood storage has created the perfect uneven surface to deal with reflected sound.

Philip and the wood storage - Photo by Marius

All that is left, is to add a few more final touches – one of which is this beautiful chair we all fell in love with at the first viewing. We took it to a local upholsterer here on Caledionian road, who transformed the old school chair to new heights with beautiful leather cushions.

And just like that Robert Blair Studios has become the companies home again and it is fair to say we are all more than delighted. Perhaps the best analogy we have found is one Philip mentioned, so I shall steal it from him now; in this space you feel as though you are in the hull of a large ship, sailing on peacefully with the world passing by. I will leave you to enjoy a final picture our dear friend Marius took (Photographer with whom we shared the building on Hassop road and owner of Fav studios ) and an open invitation to visit us here anytime!

Victoria

Robert Blair School - Kings Cross