About us – Committee

Jill Hobbs (Chair OSWBNH)

This is Jill’s first year as Chair of Open Studios WBNH, having joined the committee in 2024. A Scottish-born contemporary artist, Jill is best known for her expressive portraits of people and animals, working from Sunrise Studio in East Ilsley. She is also a former A&E nurse and mum of two.

Jill is delighted to take on the role of Chair and feels incredibly lucky to be working alongside such a talented, experienced and enthusiastic committee. She is excited about the year ahead and supporting the wonderful community of artists who make Open Studios so special.

John Brazendale (Vice Chair OSWBNH)

John has been a part of Open Studios for over 20 years. When he retired as Head of Expressive Arts at St. Bartholomew’s School Newbury in 2006 he was asked to join the OS scheme by Pat Eastop, who then invited him to join the OS Committee in 2008. Who could refuse Pat? John took over the OS Chair when Pat’s husband became ill and was Chair for many years.

John continues to work in The Cloud Studio and take part annually.

Eva Akhurst (OS Administration & Finance)

Eva’s career covered a variety of roles including scientific research, teaching, IT technical analysis and support , business support and accountancy. Retraining several times as she went along. She has worked as finance manager for a number of smaller charities. Since retiring she has volunteered in various roles, usually treasurer, for various voluntary organisations
Although she says she is ‘not a creative’ possibly that’s good to bring an ‘outside’ perspective to the committee. Eva joined the committee in 2021 and enjoys working with the committee and Open Studios members throughout the year

Kevin Akhurst (OS Secretary and Distribution Manager)

All of Kevin’s working life was spent in the Power Generation industry, initially in technical research, then in engineering support, power station, project management and head office roles. About 20 years ago, when both his children had gone to university, he started making pottery in his scarce spare time. When he retired, his pottery became a serious pastime. He not only made ceramics but also constructed a wood-fired kiln and he has been learning and writing about ancient pottery for several years.
Kevin notes that most art and craft activities can be rather solitary, and believes that local art groups are an important way for artists to meet and talk. For several years he has been Chairman of West Forest Potters, a pottery group concentrated in the Reading and Maidenhead area. He also enjoys being a committee member in Open Studios, taking the minutes of committee meetings and coordinating the distribution of the annual Companion Guide.

Jim Crockatt

Jim has been a valued member of the Open Studios committee for more than ten years and is a passionate advocate for the arts, particularly within the Newbury community. Firmly believing that “life without art is no life at all”, he supports an extraordinary range of local creative organisations and events.

Jim is a trustee and Art Director at ACE Space and is involved with Arlington Arts, New Era Theatre and Altered States, the open sculpture exhibition at Shaw House. He also presents two programmes on Kennet Radio: Art for Art’s Sake and the blues show Have I Got Blues for You.

Formerly a furniture maker whose work was exhibited at Liberty in London, Jim now creates turned wood and sculptural pieces. His experience, enthusiasm and extensive knowledge of the local arts community make him an invaluable member of the Open Studios team.

Katherine Kingdon (Education Team Lead)

Katherine has been a member of the committee since 2019. She has responsibility for education and evaluation. With an MA in Applied Art and Visual Culture, a BA in 3D Design (Ceramics and Glass) and an Art PGCE, Art and creativity have always been at the top of her agenda. She was Head of Art at Chiltern Edge School for many years, stepping down when she started her family. While her children were young, Katherine ran the Ceramics Studio at The Henley College and on moving to Newbury, took on a role teaching Art at St Bartholomew’s School. Throughout that time, she maintained her own art practice and supported the arts locally. She and her husband set up and ran The Art Market at the Rising Sun in Reading for several years and she is currently responsible for September Ceramics at City Arts in Newbury. Alongside this voluntary work, Katherine is a full-time ceramic artist with work in galleries across the UK.

Caroline Moore (Marketing Lead)

Caroline is an artist and valued member of the Open Studios committee. This year she has taken on responsibility for producing the OS Guide, working with the committee, participating artists and printers to bring together one of the most important parts of the Open Studios programme.

Her creativity, organisation and attention to detail are a tremendous asset to the team, and help ensure that visitors can discover and enjoy the wonderful variety of artists taking part across the region.

Tracey Larkin (Distribution Lead)

Tracey studied at Berkshire College of Art and Design before enjoying a 30-year career in creative design. Since retiring from the corporate world, she has established her studio near Watership Down, where the surrounding landscape, changing skies and local wildlife inspire her paintings and mixed-media work. She also creates characterful commissioned portraits of much-loved pets.

Tracey brings a wealth of creative experience and enthusiasm to the committee and is passionate about supporting Open Studios and its community of artists.