Join us from 7pm on Thursday 19 September when Art Historian, Jo Cottrell interviews our Summer Artist in Residence, Caroline Hands, about her work and career. Jo specialises in early twentieth century modernism, with a particular focus on the work of women artists.

Tickets are free, but places are limited, so booking in advance is advised.

Caroline’s exhibition - Uplift - runs here until 21 September and admission is free.

Caroline Hands: In Her Own Words

"Since an early age I knew what I had to do! I was taken as a child regularly to the British Museum, which fed my life-long interest in different cultures and people. The magnificence of the colour and ways of expressing.

Being sent away to a horrendous boarding school at the age of 10, I learnt how to be alone and carve my own path. Going to art college as soon as they let me at 16. The college persuaded me into fashion where I chose to make copper wigs and later persuaded the principal to let me design my own multi-media course, the first in London!

Later I did a Fine Art BA. My great Nigerian friend at college introduced me to the wealth of African art and dance. I hitched and travelled, cheap local transport, local people. It taught me a lot about people and places. I fed myself with Italian masterpieces, ancient Greece and the passion of parts of Europe. Later I managed to spend time in Asia, India, Nepal, Malaysia, Cambodia and Burma. Again local transport and people. For 6 to 7 years I spent time on and off in China, where they said 'You're an artist, we'll look after you' and they did. Later I put on a large solo exhibition in Beijing. When asked about the work I came up with 'Philosophy of the Moment' - it seemed to fit!

Colour to me is an energy and extremely important.

Since 16 I have also worked in community arts (as well as a large range of odd jobs and selling my batik scarves across the counter in Liberty, Regent Street). I believe passionately in what arts does in the community. The way it helps self-confidence, self-esteem, relaxation and much more. Now more than ever with the ridiculous cut of arts in schools we need it.

Over the years I have exhibited widely, nationally and internationally, run festivals and worked on many schools' art weeks, often including dancers from a wide range of cultures.

On 19^th September, art historian Jo Cottrell will be interviewing me. We'd love you to join us!

With thanks to Woolwich Works for all their assistance putting this large show together. Paintings and sketches upstairs and downstairs, playful sculptures in the courtyard and a large hanging on stage."