Words from the Shore - Devon Open Studios Day Seven - a Reflection by Devon Artist Charlotte Ellis

A Time of Dreams

Living history played a big part in today’s open studio in Lympstone, Devon. The sun shone but there was a sense of autumn in the still slightly chill air, as I opened the door. Things were quiet and we only had one or two visitors before lunch. Just as I was starting to think that things were a bit slow, the most wonderful thing happened. Two sisters, who used to come and stay in my cottage every summer as children in the 1950s, came to visit. I had met Margaret, Beryl's younger sister, and chatted to her on the foreshore last year. Through conversation, we realised that we had a connection to my cottage as she regaled her tales of old Lympstone. There were so many delightful stories about her visits including how she would be given a new pair of red sandals each summer to wear on her annual Lympstone Summer holiday. These were her pride and joy but it didn't take them long to be covered in estuary mud from playing on the beach by Peter's Tower. The timelessness of these stories was wonderful as children have and will play on Lympstone beach for ever.

Well today, Margaret visited from Derby and came  ready with photos of our cottage dating back to 1951, when she was only three years old. Together, with her older sister Beryl and her niece Susan, we wandered through the cottage to the garden. We were caught up in a marvellous atmosphere brimming with happy energy and quite magical memories. With every step, retracing footsteps of children made many decades ago, another memory emerged from the mists of time. Joey dog lay silently on the stairs watching and this was a reminder of the beloved black dog who lived here all that time ago. The kitchen, which was smaller then, sparked memories of sitting around the big table eating doughnuts and unknowingly we have kept this tradition alive. Since these visits in 1950s the cottage has evolved and grown and as a house design and interiors lover I was so interested to hear about its old bones. The garden is boundaried by the Wooton Brook and a tall, sturdy brick wall but Margaret told us that in her time you could actually step straight into the brook from the garden. I wonder if she was wearing her shiny red shoes as she did so?

We thought it would be fun to recreate one of Margaret's old photos, taken in the 1950s. Much laughter and emotion filled our garden as we did so. Crossing the passage of time and building a new chapter in the cottages's history was very special. Below, you can see the original photo and also our re-creation of it.

Margaret and Beryl on summer holiday to Lympstone circa 1957

Margaret and Beryl on holiday in Lympstone September 19th 2025

 Open Studios today was a feel good fusion of  new work, old memories and a mix of old and new visitors. I had a warm feeling after the visit which stayed with me as more vistors arrived and sales were made. It was great to see one of my acrylic paintings, ‘A time for Dreams’, find a new home.

Sky Dance - Lino Print

I had a lot of interest in the lino printing workshops and introduction to watercolour workshops I run. It’s always good to talk to people who feel they aren’t creative and encourage them to come along and join me to find the starting point for their own creative journey. If you are reading this and are nervous about picking up a pencil or brush do check out future workshops on my workshop page. I don't run many through the year these days as I usually spend my days painting or working in Seaglass Gallery, but do feel free to register interest if there is a particular one you would like to join. You will be made most welcome.

Through the Trees, Lympstone - Lino Print

As I enter the last weekend of Devon Open Studios , I have really got into the swing of it. That said, I’ll be pleased to have a bit more free time when it finishes to take off to the foreshore with the birds and my paintbrushes.

My Open Studio tip of the day is to take time to gently engage in conversation with visitors because connections will be made and that is something special and you never really know where that conversation may lead. Conversations I have had have led to sales, to commissions, to friendship, book and film reviews and sometimes just interesting conversations about everyday things. We need to connect and we need to reach out as that is how beautiful communities are made.

The last day of Devon Open Studios 2025 is today, Sunday 20th September. My studio will be open from 10-4 and it really would be lovely to see you.

Charlotte Ellis Artist - musings of a Devon Artist