This weekend it was open studio day at Eel Pie Island. Twice a year, in June and December, this private island, which has become a haven for artists over the past few years, opens to the public.
This has now become very popular; the summer open weekends in particular get very crowded. If you come in December you may find it slightly less overrun.
The island is just a short walk from Twickenham station. You cross the bridge and wander around an eclectic mix of houses and gardens. Of course the purpose is to sell artwork, although there’s no pressure to buy and you are still welcome to just wander around and take a look. I didn’t buy anything, since I’m still effectively homeless and the last thing I need is something else to throw into my storage unit.
Instead I spent my time there indulging my favourite fantasy where I am sitting in an artistic commune with nothing more demanding than producing my next piece of artwork (the problem is, after producing it I somehow have to sell it, and this is where the fantasy becomes a little unstuck).
If you are interested in learning more about the musical history then nearby Eel Pie Island Museum has a ridiculous amount of photos and memorabilia from its heyday. It costs £4 to go in and is run by some incredibly enthusiastic volunteers.
Eel Pie Island Museum in nearby Richmond road
The island has around 50 homes (better start saving if you fancy living here; they don’t come cheap) along with artist studios and boatyards. It also has a nature reserve (not open to the general public) and is home to Twickenham rowing club.
Categories: London, Uncategorized
The Mad Woman in the Attic 
Hello Sarah looks interesting. I’m with you, can’t keep buying ‘stuff’ but it looks a lovely place. Take care xx
Well there’s a limit to how much new stuff you need, isn’t there? Particularly when somebody else is living in your home …
Looks great – we sailed past it on the way to Hampton Court, would have loved to explore and have a better look.
Yes it’s a strange place. You’re only allowed on a couple of times a year, and they keep you to a short pathway around the island
This took me back, we went on the open day many years ago. Is the lady with all the weird Sindy and Barbie dolls still there??
I didn’t notice any Sindy’s (and I would have noticed because I”m a huge fan). It’s a nice little afternoon out though.
I’m sorry, but there is not private access only to Eel Pie Island. Anyone can wander over the bridge and along the path through its centre at any time of the year. There is no public access to the other side of the island and there may have been attempts to make it private in the past. I have lived in Twickenham for over 40 years and apart from the period when British Gas damaged the bridge I have never known of restricted access. Non-residents happily visit the excellent Twickenham Rowing Club and the boat yards. There is however a mad woman currently resident on the island who makes silent threatening gestures at people she encounters on the path
Haha that’s so funny. I understood it was a private island and they just let people on twice a year, but I’ve never tried any other time so you must be right