Woodings Yard, located just around the corner from the Old Borough Library, is a thriving hub of creative activity.

Described as Stafford's cultural quarter, the yard provides studio spaces for artists and a range of craft workshops for locals to try their hands at.

Husband and wife John and Debbie Todd, opened Woodings Yard eight years ago, aiming to offer "affordable workspaces for creative people" living in Stafford.

The couple said: "We're actually one of the best kept little secrets in Stafford.

"A lot of people are not aware that we're here because we're tucked away."

The artwork created at the yard is unique to Stafford (image via Livia Gregor)

Both Debbie and John are highly-skilled craftspeople with knowledge of several different art forms.

John has expertise in picture framing and leathercraft, regularly producing unique gifts and mementos commissioned by customers as well as hosting leather-making workshops.

advertisement

Debbie is the creative genius behind ProteanArt, another of the businesses operating from Woodings Yard.

ProteanArt offers workshops in metal flower and garland making, lino printing, collage and much more.

The couple has also worked on some larger scale artworks including a piece currently on display in Stafford station, created in collaboration with local community groups.

The Stafford station artwork (image via Livia Gregor)

Much of what is produced by the Woodings Yard creatives is available to buy in the onsite shop.

Other artists working from the yard include photographer Jonathan Cherry, artist Andrew Cliff and Scandinavian-inspired ceramics business Teppi.

Speaking about the process of finding artists, John and Debbie said: "We try to do it so that people complement each other.

"We want to curate the quality of artists but also we're not competing against each other.

"We help each other.

advertisement

"It's kind of like a big community family."

To find out more, visit the Woodings Yard website or drop by the shop.