Loukas Morley’s Workshop
Just east of Cambridge, along a long straight, potholed road which links Fulbourn to Wandlebury*, is a workshop overflowing with Loukas Morley’s collections and creations.
His new series of paintings, ‘Strata’ are mesmerizing excavations of colour. Paint has been built up in layers, painstakingly sanded back, re-layered and sanded again. The process is repeated until beautiful depths and textures are revealed and a vibrant energy is captured.
These vibrant colours echo in the reclaimed fabrics Loukas uses to make his bags, constructed on antique sewing machines from discarded roadside ratchet straps and mid-century tents. Each bag has its own story, a unique mixture of colours and shapes in his usual bold style.
Loukas has spent much of his career as a technician, working in many of the museums and colleges in Cambridge. It seems he can turn his skilled hand to anything. In 2019 he took over the Museum of Classical Archaeology installing various works in the spaces between the permanent collection. Deconstructed pianos, plaster casts of friend’s hands and his bold vibrant paintings transformed the space in an unexpected and quite moving way.
His wide knowledge of fabrication techniques in many materials, brings with it a deep appreciation for the time and skill that goes into their making and a sadness that so many useful and beautiful things are discarded. He relishes transforming unwanted objects. The satisfaction of giving things a new extended life is what motivates him and feeds his need to create.
This attention to detail is clear in Loukas’s woodwork. He builds exquisite furniture, from large garden installations to small household objects.
Loukas’s workshop is a treat to visit. It will be open as part of Cambridge Open Studios July 13-14, 20-21, more details here.
Visitors will be welcomed, but must please be warned that as this is a working workshop, visitors enter at their own risk. There are sharp edges and uneven surfaces. By entering you agree to take responsibility for your wellbeing. Not suitable for small children.
* There are some lovely places to walk not far from the workshop, with the Roman Road and Wandlebury Country park nearby. There’s a pdf walking guide to the Fulbourn area here.