A Frome artist has etched an exciting new chapter in the story of The Old Printworks after receiving the Hollywood seal of approval for his artwork.
Tim Slatter moved into a house at The Old Printworks in Frome after being drawn there by its spacious interiors and modern finish. He relished the prospect of moving to a new home on the site of the Butler, Tanner & Dennis printworks – where the first Penguin books were created – which he viewed as the ideal place to mount his own eye-catching artwork. But little did he know as he settled into his new surroundings that his works of art would also catch the eye of Hollywood film producers – and now he’s set for his own niche in the movies.
“They say life comes at you fast and that’s certainly been the case since I made Frome and The Old Printworks my home,” Tim said.
“Just as I was settling in, I got a surprise call to say that one of my favourite artworks was set to appear in a film which really bowled me over.
“It’s like someone’s been writing scripts just for me with the way everything is coming together so nicely.”
Not only is Tim flourishing as an artist, but he is also loving life in the Somerset market town and The Old Printworks. “There really was nothing else to touch The Old Printworks when I was looking for a new place to call home,” Tim added. “It’s a lovely, modern development right in the heart of a marvellous market town which is full of superb people and places. “The Old Printworks is outstanding in lots of ways – but the high ceilings within the property were the main attraction for me. “That meant there was plenty of space to hang my artwork on the walls in a way modern homes don’t always allow and that was the clincher. It also meant the light worked well for display.”
Tim, 53, was taken by surprise when he was approached by movie producers. And soon, one of his prints is set to appear in the opening sequences of upcoming romantic comedy Upgraded which stars American-Brazilian actor and singer Camila Mendes. “It’s always a nice feeling when someone buys one of the artworks you’ve poured your heart and soul into,” Tim said. “But to have one of my pieces appear in a Hollywood movie really is unbelievable and I’m absolutely buzzing.” The former Durham Cathedral chorister, who hails from North Yorkshire, honed his art with support from the Prince’s Trust.
Today, Tim is principally an etcher, who specialises in line-etching and pattern-aquatinting into steel and zinc plates. He has a particular interest in landscapes and also paints large trees, landscapes and seascapes to commission. While Tim is proud to call The Old Printworks home, he has a studio in Frome town centre where he is often to be found hard at work.
He continued: “People visit the studio all the time so you hear plenty of great stories and now I’ll have a good one to share about Tinseltown. “I love living in Frome because it’s quiet and calm and it feels like it’s the place to be because the world comes to you. “My new neighbours are great so there’s really nice feel to the place and a sense of community which is really important to me. “It feels like I have found my tribe. Frome is full of laid-back and happy people, and it has got that special rare something.
“Living in Frome also means I’m spoiled for choice when it comes to artistic inspiration due to the people, local countryside and interesting architecture so I honestly couldn’t ask for much more.”
The Old Printworks is an award-winning collection of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes at the historic former Butler, Tanner & Dennis site one of Britain’s foremost colour printers. Show homes are open daily from 10am-5pm, with prices starting from £280,000. Currently over 90% of homes have been sold from phase two, with a final homes in the development launching soon. For information call 01373 888303 or visit the Acorn Property Group
