History
Wysing Grange Farm was purchased in 1989 and was developed by its founders into a centre offering low cost studio space for artists. Wysing was founded by Jenny and Terry Brooks, who are still active members of its Board of Trustees, and the artists Annie and Age Bunnetat. Together, they set about transforming its barns and outbuildings into studios and later organising occasional exhibitions and events, including an annual exhibition of kinetic sculpture, in Wysing's grounds. A gallery was converted from an old hay shed and a regular programme of artistic activity began.
Wysing became a registered charity in 1994 and employed its first Director, Trystan Hawkins, that year. Over the subsequent nine years Trystan developed the organisation's governance, secured its status as a Regularly Funded Organisation of Arts Council, and developed the site and a public artistic programme. In 2001 Trystan began a process of development that would lead to a £1.7 million capital project to build new artists' studios. After many delays, the project finally began in 2007.
Current Director, Donna Lynas, was recruited in 2005 to lead the organisation through the next stages of its development, including securing funding for and delivering the capital project. The project was opened by the critic and writer Matthew Collings, to national acclaim, in January 2008. The buildings have subsequently won a RIBA (Royal Insititute of British Architects) Award.
The RIBA judges said of the new Wysing: "The first view of Wysing Arts Centre approaching from Bourn is stunning, demonstrating in an instant that the architects have fulfilled the client brief to produce a ‘serious building’ and to raise the profile of the Arts Centre. Simple construction, natural ventilation, use of natural daylight and thoughtful detailing all contribute to a building which is direct and sophisticated. The black, ordered rectilinear elevation has the simplicity of a Dutch barn but the sophistication of a more complex building. Stunning architecture in the most unexpected location."
Donna has worked to re-locate Wysing's artistic programme within international arts debates, whilst also rooting it within its rural location, and her efforts were recently acknowledged in an invitation to become a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.
Wysing's Trustees are: Jenny Brooks and Terry Brooks (Founders), Sara Garnham (Chair), Peter Jarman, John Bickley, Jennifer Warren, Liffy Gorton and the artist Kathrin Bohm. Wysing studio artist Simon Woolham is a board observer alongside John Onslow (Cambridge County Council) and a representative of Arts Council England East.
Company information for Wysing Arts Charity. Registered Office: 9 Great Chesterford Court, London Road, Great Chesterford, CB10 1PF. Company reg. no. 2942151. Charity no. 1039555. Vat reg. no. 816907119.