With spring here and summer on the horizon, Orkney’s creative community is ready for another busy season of welcoming visitors to their workshops, galleries, and studios.
The Creative Orkney Trail is open once again, offering folk the chance to see our makers at work, crafting jewellery, pottery, textiles, artwork and much more.
We’ve been out and about to meet some of the Creative Orkney members who are opening their doors to guests from around the world over the coming months.
Robin Palmer Ceramics
Robin Palmer has been creating beautiful ceramic pieces from his Kirkwall workshop since 2018. From intricate candle holders to ceramic art, bowls and tableware, Robin’s colourful and unique pieces are inspired by Orkney's dramatic land and seascapes.
"The Creative Orkney Trail makes me feel part of the creative community here in Orkney,” says Robin. “It makes you more visible to visitors and locals alike.
“Anyone popping past will probably see me in the midst of making, maybe on the throwing wheel with my hands covered in clay, making my Sprindrift pieces, or glazing. I’m offering taster sessions this year too, where people can come and try their hand at making.
“I really enjoy meeting visitors and building relationships with them, especially when people come in for the first time and are surprised to discover I’ve been here for almost six years now. That’s what I love about Orkney, there is always a hidden gem or something new to see and do.”
Visitor info
Find out more about Robin’s taster sessions, and visit his official website for more information. If you’re keen to take part in a session it’s advised to book ahead. If you’re planning on dropping in past the studio, give Robin a shout first to make sure he’s available.
Michael Sinclair Woodturner
Orkney might not be famed for its woodland, but it is home to the incredibly talented Michael Sinclair, a woodturner in the West Mainland who uses material from Orkney and further afield to craft beautiful bowls and much more.
“I’ve always found the Creative Orkney Trail to be a really effective way of selling my work and promoting the gallery far and wide,” says Michael. “A lot of folk enjoy having a physical brochure to guide them and use it to help them explore further too.
“Visitors to the gallery will be able to see finished pieces for sale as well as the raw material that the pieces have been crafted from. My wife, Sara, runs the gallery and is passionate about the narrative of each piece – they all have a story to tell. We also have a video showing the process, and visitors can come into the workshop to see the tools and equipment I use, but we can’t offer live demonstrations – anyone who has seen woodturning in action will understand why!
“Being part of the trail allows us to give visitors a better understanding of our products and processes. It’s also a great way for folk to meet some of Orkney’s smaller, independent makers.”
Visitor info
Visit the official Michael Sinclair Woodturner website for more information on Michael's products and how to visit the gallery.
Sheila Fleet Jewellery
Found in Orkney’s East Mainland, Sheila Fleet Jewellery has been at the heart of our creative community for more than thirty years. Sheila's distinctive designs are often inspired by the islands and are all handmade at her workshop, next to The Kirk Gallery and Café which showcases her extensive range of contemporary and traditional collections.
“The Creative Orkney Trail continues to offer a collaborative guide to crafts designed and made here in Orkney, and it’s a great way for us all to show customers the diverse range of products we offer,” says Sheila.
“I put forward the idea of a craft trail back in the early 90s and it’s fantastic to see some of the original businesses on the trail joined by so many new ones every year, which is encouraging for the future. We all offer something unique for customers and visitors and I hope the variety of things on offer on the trail will help enrich their holiday experience.
"Every year I introduce new design collections and have many avid collectors around the world who make special trips to see where their purchases have come from. Visitors can see my jewellery being made here and stop to sample a range of Orkney produce in our Kirk Café too.
“I hope the Creative Orkney Trail will continue to evolve and help visitors enjoy the best Orkney’s talented makers have to offer for many years into the future.”
Visitor info
Visit the official Sheila Fleet Jewellery website for more information on visiting the workshop, the Kirk Gallery and Café, and the Kirkwall gallery. Pre-booking at the Kirk Café is recommended, especially during the summer months.
