It’s the weekend of the Craft Council AGM and that means a Friday of Studio Tours as well as a sneak peek inside the Quidi Vidi Village Plantation. I’ve written about it before (before its name was changed from The Tucker Premises to the QVV Plantation) but it’s nearing the opening date now, the tenants have been selected and it’s all getting very exciting.

I took a few photos and am posting them here for those who are curious as to what the building looks like on the inside.

The space was designed by architect Philip Pratt and is a marvelous blend of old and new. The beams vaulting the ceiling were left outside to weather naturally.

The bottom floor has a kitchenette, office space, and other public spaces.Outside there are picnic tables and benches along the wharf.

It has an elevator and a staircase both, to take you upstairs to the actual studio spaces.

The units are small, but efficient and each contains a sink, cupboard, ethernet connection, 220amp service and an openable window. They’re all individually lockable as well.

While they look a little boxy now, once folks get craft equipment and product into them, I expect that they will perk right up and be truly fascinating microcosms of creativity.

Some have partitions between units, allowing two users to open space between them and share working accommodations.

It’s a joint venture between the City of St. John’s, the Province of Newfoundland & Labrador, the Anna Templeton Centre and the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador. It is one of the most exciting things to happen on a grand scale for craft in this province and we’re thrilled beyond measure that it has come to fruition.

I can’t wait to drop back again and see it replete in all its creative splendour.