Workshops

Contemporary Art Space in Horwich

Exhibitions | Workshops | Life Drawing | Artist Community

GALLERY OPENING TIMES: Friday & Saturday 12–4pm
when exhibitions are on.

Please consider subscribing for notifications of events as and when they are happening

Sunday through to Thursday are appointments only due to workshops being run

Next Exhibition Starts 23rd October 2026

Art For Solace - Franki Beddows

Open evening 7pm – 9pm

Exhibition continues over the  WEEKEND

Saturday 24th 12 – 4pm
Sunday 25th 12 – 4pm

Franki Returns to the BL6Studios this October

Franki Returns to the BL6Studios this October

Preview with Wine & Nibbles 23rd October 2026

Franki Beddows doesn’t paint pretty pictures.
She paints the things that appear when you stop trying to control the canvas. Faces. Creatures. Half-seen figures. Strange little worlds. Grief. Humour. Darkness. Light.

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Matthew Smith profile picture
Matthew Smith
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John was very welcoming. He has a good set up and talked through everything clearly in terms of the process of taking the shots and selecting the final image. Really happy with the results. Thanks.
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John Greenhalgh
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Very enjoyable and helpful morning learning about using my phone to take better photos. John has great knowledge and practical advice. It definitely all comes down to seeing the light!
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Jackie Williams profile picture
Jackie Williams
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Great to be part of BL6 studios - they work hard to promote local artists and give others the chance to learn. The gallery is looking really good since the recent make-over. Look out for the next exhibition!
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Karen Haslam profile picture
Karen Haslam
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I attended an art exhibition at the studios last year and spotted an incomplete painting which I convinced the artist to finish and sell to me. I love it!
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Helen Barnes profile picture
Helen Barnes
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I have just completed the beginners painting course with Julia and it was incredible. It was very relaxing and I feel inspired to get going on my own. Julia was a brilliant teacher, very patient and encouraging. She gave so many wonderful tips, can't wait to get going. Thank you! 😁
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Mark Holt profile picture
Mark Holt
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Great art, great exhibitions, great art courses, check them out
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Amita Savani profile picture
Amita Savani
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I recently had the pleasure of visiting BL6 Studio and it was truly an unforgettable experience. From the moment I stepped inside, I was captivated by the space and the warm ambiance that welcomed visitors. The artwork on display was nothing short of breathtaking. Each artwork seemed to tell its own unique story. I found myself lost in the stunning paintings that evoked deep emotions and sparked my imagination. What made the visit even more special were the lovely, kind people I met. I struck up conversations with artists in front of a mesmerizing installation, It was refreshing to share insights and interpretations with someone who shared the same passion. Overall, my visit to BL6 Studios was a perfect blend of beautiful artwork and wonderful interactions. I left feeling so inspired, confident and will be returning soon, not just for the art, but for the community that thrives within its walls. Highly recommended for anyone looking to immerse themselves in creativity and connection.
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Elizabeth Lord profile picture
Elizabeth Lord
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I recently attended an introductory colour and painting workshop led by Julia at BL6. Julia is a wonderful and talented tutor , clear , friendly , encouraging and very knowledgeable . I learnt so much and would not hesitate to recommend highly .
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Jim Haslam profile picture
Jim Haslam
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I can thoroughly recommend the regular Wednesday evening Life Drawing sessions at BL6 Studios, Horwich. They are well-organised and welcoming sessions, run by Julia Entwistle, the landscape artist. The regular pop-up art exhibitions by talented local artists are another good reason to visit BL6 Studios in Horwich. The recent exhibition by Chris Humphreys was of a very high standard. If you enjoy art, give BL6 Studios a visit.

The Story of BL6 Studios

BL6 Studios was established in 2013 by John Bentley and Julia Entwistle.

The intention was simple. John needed a dedicated space for his photography, and Julia needed a working studio for her romantic oil paintings. Rather than work separately, they chose to create a shared creative environment where both disciplines could exist side by side.

Over the years the studio has welcomed many artists who have come to work, exhibit, and collaborate within the space. Julia has hosted numerous workshops and small pop-up exhibitions, often dedicating an entire weekend to a single artist so visitors could spend time properly engaging with the work.

During this period John also began developing his distinctive art portrait work within the studio environment. His exploration of painterly portrait photography grew from this setting before later moving into Bolton town centre with Project22.

In 2023 John returned to BL6 Studios, bringing the work back to where it began.

Today John and Julia continue to run the space together, encouraging people to step into the creative environment and better understand the role artists play in shaping culture, conversation, and community.

BL6 Studios exists not simply as a place to show work, but as a place where artists and visitors can meet, talk, learn, and invest in the creative life that keeps our cultural landscape alive.

BL6 Studios

The Pumphouse Hampson Street Horwich Bolton BL6 7JH

Studio Access

BL6 Studios operates on an appointment-only basis unless an exhibition is taking place.

During exhibition periods, the studio and gallery are open to the public at specific times.
These dates and opening hours are always published on the website and shared via email in advance.

If you sign up to the mailing list, you will receive these updates regularly.
Typically every two weeks, and occasionally weekly when there are events, exhibitions or workshops running.

 

If you do happen to Subscribe to the emails, and find that you are getting too many, PLEASE just unsubscribe.
Marking us as SPAM will often damage the email subscriptions for the studios, and other subscribers.
THIS APPLIES TO ALL BUSINESSES NOT JUST OURS
Long Pose Painting Day – Sat 7th November 2026

Long Pose Painting Day – Sat 7th November 2026

Long Pose Painting day  This event is being held on SATURDAY 7th November from 12 - 4 pm and will include a light lunch (vegetarian and vegan option available) attendees can bring their own if they so wish. Tea and coffee are provided throughout the day.   There will...

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Learn to Paint Course in November 2026

Learn to Paint Course in November 2026

Learn To Paint: NOVEMBER 2026A TUTORED COURSE OVER THREE WEEKS:WEDNESDAY AFTERNOONS  4TH, 11TH AND 18THFROM 1 pm - 3 pmNo experience needed — just a willingness to have a go. This three-week beginner painting course is designed to help you build confidence with paint...

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Parking

Parking directly outside BL6 Studios on Hampson Street can be unpredictable.

On any given day, it could be completely empty or completely chock-a-block. There are a number of active businesses in the area, so spaces come and go throughout the day, and there are no designated parking bays for the studio.

There is usually parking on nearby streets including Wright Street, Julia Street, Lord Street, Peter Martin Street, Dickinson Street and Brady Street.

You may also find spaces on Hope Street, as well as Scholes Bank, Lee Lane and Lever Park Avenue, all within a short walk of the studio.

In most cases, you will find somewhere to park nearby. It may simply involve a short walk of around 150–200 yards.

If you are delivering or collecting artwork, we can usually accommodate short-term access directly outside the studio. You just need to let us know in advance so we can plan for your arrival.

So while you might not get a space right outside the door, you will get parked. It just depends whether you want immediate access or are happy with a brief walk.