'Octogov, Making a Monster' is the next exhibition at the Rathbone Studio, opening on Saturday 30th January. This exhibition is the first of its kind, a real insight into the development and making of an animation film.

The creators James Hatzisavvas and Scott Leyland first met at collage and after both graduating from Glyndwr University they started to develop a unique animation style rooted in illustration and puppetry.

The exhibition will be a quirky and interactive look at the work of James and Scott. In its uniquely humorous way it is an in depth look into their style that blends modern and traditional animating techniques, reminiscent of Gerry Anderson’s Thunderbirds and Toho’s Godzilla.

At its heart is the comedy element that is in both the design and story; many of which are hidden "Easter eggs" scattered throughout their work.

The exhibition opens at the Rathbone Studio, 28 Argyle Street, Birkenhead on Saturday 30th January until 23rd March. The Studio is open Tuesday to Saturday 2.00pm - 5.00pm.

Great feature in the Wirral News this week about our pottery exhibition.

Open Tuesday - Saturdays 2.00pm – 5.00pm until 9 January 2016, except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.

The fruits of Wirral's only weekly run pottery courses have produced wonderful results and are on show at the Rathbone Studio, Birkenhead. Students who have been attending the Rathbone Studio pottery session are holding an exhibition showing the talent and creativity that is thriving in the Wirral. On display is pottery of all types from thrown pieces to coil and slab work, including very practical pieces such as mugs to very experimental sculptural creations.

Some of the people who come to the workshops have been potting for a few years and exhibit their work independently; also in the same workshop are complete beginners. The diversity of the work produced is fantastic. It really shows how versatile clay is.

The special opening of the exhibition is on Friday 27 November 4.00pm – 7.00pm and visitors are welcome to come along and meet the students and talk about their work on display and festive refreshments are also available.

The exhibition is opens Saturday 28th November until 9th January Open Tuesday - Saturdays 2.00pm – 5.00pm until 7 January 2016, except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.

Anne Crowther

What a brilliant surprise to see the Rathbone Studio mentioned in this months edition of the ASOS magazine.

Explore the theme of 'Journey' interpreting the subject in your own individual and maybe unusual ways.

It could be a ...

'Journey' of discovery

'Journey' of creativity

'Journey' of enlightenment

'Journey' of self development

'Journey' of self destruction

'Journey' from the cradle to the grave

'Journey' it is up to you

Exhibition opens to the public on 3rd November. The exhibition will run through to 9th January. Two pieces of artwork from each artist. Please let me know if you have any large piece to be exhibited.

While at the exhibition, visitors will have the opportunity to participate in producing a collective piece of artwork, called 'Journey'. Visitors may add to the canvas as they wish and so create a completely spontaneous piece.

This could perhaps be the beginning of someone's own ‘journey' to a discovery of art!

I do hope you wish to part of the Rathbone 'Journey' and I look forward to hearing from you soon. Thank you. Janet