Cambridge Open Studios at The Shadowhouse
Amanda’s illustration studio –The Shadowhouse – is an old wooden hut at the end of a sweeping terracotta garden path running from her house, fringed by lush plants.
If you dare to venture further, the garden turns into a jungle where you might be lucky enough to see her drawing a magical beast or two…
Visit during Amanda’s Cambridge Open Studios, or by appointment at other times.
The Name “The Shadowhouse”
I came across the term “Shadowhouse” in an obscure book on historical names for garden structures, along with “gazebo”, “pavilion”, “folly” and “grotto”. I thought the word was so magical and mysterious that I adopted it as the name for my studio and as my business address.
James Churchill wrote a short ghost story entitled The Shadowhouse. The setting for his story was loosely inspired by a visit here while he was doing some filming for Cambridge’s 2013 Romsey Art Festival. I love the idea that he found literary inspiration here.
Cambridge Open Studios
Most years I open my studio and garden to the public as part of the ever-popular Cambridge Open Studios, held as part of the Cambridge Summer Festival in July. Find details here for Cambridge Open Studios.
Interested visitors of all ages come along to take a peek at my books, art products and original art, and it’s wonderful to meet them and show them my work.
To hear about future Open Studios, get in touch via my contact form.
Visiting The Shadowhouse at Other Times
If I am not hiding in my jungle garden with my pencils and a big drawing book waiting for a magical creature to come by, you are welcome to make a date to see my work at other times of the year too.
Most of my original illustrations are at the Chris Beetles Gallery. Go to my Original Illustrations page to find out more. I also have some available at The Shadowhouse.
Let me know what you are particularly interested in seeing via my contact form.