Foldworks is based at Nanholme Mill near Hebden Bridge, in what was a nineteenth century cotton mill, situated between the Rochdale Canal and the River Calder. Nanholme Mill was famed for its prolific production of “Jeans, Dongarees and Bedford cords” (according to the original poster advertising the mill’s products) for over a hundred years.
Nanholme Mill is also home to Blottworks, Arc Publishing and other creative enterprises.
A view of the Calder valley circa 1920 with Nanholme Mill in the foreground.
PEOPLE
Resident photographers Kate Mellor and Charlie Meecham have their own well-established practices in the fields of photography. They are committed to critical arts practices as demonstrated in careers as independent artists and university teachers. They provide bespoke archive quality fine print for portfolio and exhibition to national and international artists, galleries and museums.
COURSES
Foldworks can run courses in photography for individuals and small groups. Peer exchange of ideas and experience is encouraged.
Foldworks is a working studio, print facility and black and white darkroom. We have a wet process darkroom facilitating 35mm to 5x4 large-format printing with a multi-grade head De Vere enlarger. There is tray processing for fibre-based and resin-coated papers up to 20”x16.”
We are mainly set up for digital processes and are equipped with a Hasselblad flextight film scanner, A3 and A4 flatbed scanners, Epson large format ink-jet printers, and Apple Macs.
LOCATION
Foldworks is situated in the majestic landscape of the South Pennines close to Hebden Bridge between the cities of Manchester and Leeds. Foldworks takes advantage of the immediate environment. Its location provides material and ideas for making work and generating conversations linking the landscape to broader issues and contexts. Foldworks’s setting provides immediate and easy access to wild open moorlands and deep, post-industrial valleys.
Running Wall, Widdop