What Artists Say

Heather Stuart Kent

I was very privileged to meet fellow artist Mark Hilsden on our travels in the Lake District today. Mark was recently interviewed by the BBC and his amazing artworks feature in Country Life Magazine.

I stumbled upon his workshop in the quaint village of Appleby and he was kind enough to demonstrate the age-old technique of Egg Tempera after I admitted to him that it was something I have struggled with.

Mark makes some of his own pigments and his workshop displays a multitude of rainbow-coloured jars.

Thank you so much for the art lesson Mark, it was lovely to meet you!

Tony Saul, Yorkshire

Arrived at the shop not knowing what to expect and facing a lot of pots of powder amongst other painting materials. I was greeted by the lovely lady at the desk and led to who i believe was her husband.... a very colourful character and super jolly chap.

He explained all about pigments and even insisted I sit down at his desk and try mixing a pigment powder with a brush, almost in Artist workshop style.

This chap is the most warm and enthusiastic guy I think I've ever met. Very knowledgeable artistically and a joy to purchase materials from... and similarly delightful to work with I'm sure if you are interested in commissioning one of his architectural impressions of your beautiful home.

Really enjoyed the visit to your shop. Thanks Mark Hilsden for making me feel special.

"Was so excited to discover @castle_fine arts in Appleby yesterday whilst in town on business 

All these beautiful colours, gorgeous inks and other materials too.

Definitely warrants a return visit...."

Frances Garne, Lancashire

Thank you for a very interesting day of learning about finding and grinding colour pigment from natural materials and then how to make paint from the resulting pigment!

"Found time and visited @castle_fine today in Appleby

 and what a delight I am actually enjoying making the paint more than I do using it well worth a visit the expertise and colours were abundant "

Neil Walker Cumbria

 Had a wonderful day today in this fabulous shop  huge thanks to both Marks for a fascinating, informative and inspiring time. I look forward to developing my knowledge in the coming months.

For anyone interested in exploring the wonderful world of natural paint making I highly recommend booking a workshop

I spent a day at the colour makers house in the delightful town of Appleby, doing a ‘paint and pigment workshop’. Mark is very knowledgeable and passionate about his specialist subject: paint and pigments.

I learnt a huge amount and really enjoyed the experience and I was able to buy some beautiful vibrant pigments to take home for making into paint. Mark has also developed a collection of pigments from Cumbria.

A lovely buffet lunch was provided and Mark will do bespoke workshops to suit you. I would highly recommend this as an experience