THE dream of creating an affordable art gallery and studio in the centre of Swindon has come true for a group of artists who are turning an old post office into the Post Modern studios.

Swindon Council offered Artsite Ltd the old post office building in Theatre Square on the understanding that the artists had to renovate the building themselves.

They found it six inches deep in rainwater, with gaping holes in the walls, blocked drains and a variety of fungi to keep them company.

Undaunted the 11 artists took up rather larger brushes than usual and got stuck in.

The group knuckled down and are now well on the way to bringing the old building back to life as a working art studio and gallery.

Joining Sally Taylor in Artsite are: Andy Preston, Martin King, Maria Holohan, Paula Sullivan, Paul Exton, Vicky Silver, Emily Drake, Sue Wigmore, Lynette Thomas and Bill Cox, with associate members Tim Carroll and Hilary Clash also getting their hands dirty for the sake of art.

Sally said: “We want to make Post Modern accessible and affordable to everyone, including people who can’t access other art groups.

“We are trying to organise craft markets and art fairs leading up to Christmas and then eventually we plan to have a Saturday market for people to buy unusual and original gifts each week.’’ The art and craft markets are on December 6 and 13.

There is still a lot of work to be done before the official opening of the Post Modern in February but the artists managed to pull out all the stops to become involved in the successful Open Studios weekend held last month where more than 103 people came through the doors.

Sally said: “The council promised to rehouse us when we had to leave the Railway Museum and Helen Miah, head of culture at Swindon Council has been really supportive over the studios.’’ Artsite aims are now part of the council’s 30 year vision for the town. When the work is finished there will be 10 working studios. The group also plans to open a shop and cafe selling small pieces of art, jewellery and organic cakes.The artists want the gallery to be used for all areas of art including music, 3D works, sculptures and film projections.

Acrylic and oils artist Martin King said: “Many of us are already involved in community arts or education and we want to run workshops here for children and younger people. We have even had a local choir wanting to use the space for rehearsals.’’ Artsite has forged links with Swindon College and hopes to run end of year shows for the students, and hold workshops in textiles, life drawing, and general drawing.

Textile artist Maria Holohan said: “Artsite strives to make Swindon a culturally more interesting place and I want to be a part of that.

“The charity provides the opportunity for people to re-engage with art and culture by advocating, promoting and delivering projects in the community. I hope that the people of Swindon will welcome this new addition to the town with open arms. I think it has been long overdue!”

Once the building work is completed Post Modern will be open every day for crafts people to work in and visitors to soak up the bohemian atmosphere already recreated by the dedicated artists.