Bunker Art Studio is an independent artist-run studio-gallery located within the Royal Arcade in Boscombe. It is managed by Penny Hansford, who creates and exhibits her work on site. This small creative space offers a more intimate experience than larger public galleries, providing visitors with a chance to see art in a working studio environment.
This page covers the studio’s setting inside the historic Royal Arcade, practical details for visiting, the artistic focus of the studio, its role within Boscombe’s creative community, and how to combine a visit with other local attractions.
Location and setting inside the Royal Arcade
Bunker Art Studio is situated within the Royal Arcade, a notable Victorian shopping arcade in Boscombe. The arcade was constructed in 1892 by Archibald Beckett, a local builder known as "the maker of Boscombe." It holds Grade II-listed status due to its architectural and historic significance. The arcade features a distinctive glass-domed ceiling that was originally designed to illuminate a concert balcony where organ and orchestral performances took place.
Today, the Royal Arcade accommodates a variety of independent shops and creative businesses, including Bunker Art Studio. The studio has occupied different units within the arcade over time but remains a consistent presence in this creative hub. The arcade’s blend of heritage architecture and contemporary independent retail creates a unique atmosphere that complements the artistic work on display.
Visiting Bunker Art Studio: practical information
As a small, artist-run studio rather than a staffed public gallery, Bunker Art Studio does not have fixed opening hours. Visitors should check the studio’s Facebook page for the latest updates on opening times and any special events or exhibitions. The studio is often open during weekends and occasional weekday afternoons, but this can vary.
The Royal Arcade is located on Boscombe High Street, close to Boscombe train station, making it accessible by public transport. There is limited on-street parking nearby, and several public car parks are within a 5 to 10-minute walk. The arcade itself is fully accessible, with level entrances and wide walkways.
Visitors often combine a trip to Bunker Art Studio with exploring the other independent shops and creative spaces inside the arcade. Nearby, Boscombe Arts Depot offers additional galleries, theatre, and workshops, enriching the local arts scene.
The artistic focus and work of Penny Hansford
Penny Hansford is a visual artist whose work centres on painting and printmaking. Her style often explores themes of memory, place, and the natural environment, with a particular emphasis on the Dorset coastline and urban landscapes. The studio functions as both a workspace and exhibition area, allowing visitors to see art in progress as well as finished pieces.
The studio regularly hosts small exhibitions and open studio days, providing opportunities to meet the artist and discuss her work. Hansford also offers workshops and art classes, which are announced on the studio’s social media channels. These sessions cater to a range of skill levels and often focus on techniques such as lino printing and watercolour.
Bunker Art Studio’s intimate setting encourages direct interaction between artist and visitor, differing from the more formal experience of larger museums. This makes it a valuable part of Boscombe’s cultural fabric, supporting the local creative economy and offering a platform for contemporary art.
Bunker Art Studio within Boscombe’s creative community
Boscombe has developed a reputation as a creative quarter within Bournemouth, with a number of independent studios, galleries, and arts organisations clustered around the town centre. Bunker Art Studio is part of this network, contributing to a vibrant local arts scene.
Nearby venues include Boscombe Arts Depot, a multi-purpose arts centre offering theatre productions, exhibitions, and workshops. The Royal Arcade itself hosts several other creative businesses, such as craft shops and design studios. This concentration of artistic activity supports community engagement and attracts visitors interested in contemporary culture.
The studio’s location in Boscombe also places it within reach of Bournemouth’s wider arts and cultural attractions. For example, the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum on the East Cliff features Victorian art and historic collections, while the town’s museums and galleries section provides a broader overview of local cultural resources.
Combining a visit with other things to do in Bournemouth
A visit to Bunker Art Studio can be part of a wider itinerary exploring Boscombe and Bournemouth. The Royal Arcade is close to Boscombe Pier and Boscombe Beach, which offer coastal walking routes and seaside amenities. The beach is a popular spot for families and water sports enthusiasts, with lifeguard cover during the summer months.
For those interested in arts and culture, the nearby Boscombe Arts Depot stages regular events, including theatre, music, and exhibitions. The town centre of Bournemouth is a short bus or taxi ride away, where visitors can explore the extensive shopping district, restaurants, and larger museums.
Thebournemouthguide.com features a comprehensive things to do in Bournemouth page that includes listings for attractions, gardens, and activities suitable for all ages. This can help plan a full day or weekend combining art, culture, and leisure.
Getting to Bunker Art Studio and transport options
Boscombe is well connected by public transport. Boscombe railway station is less than a 5-minute walk from the Royal Arcade, with regular services to and from Bournemouth station and wider rail links. Several local bus routes serve Boscombe High Street, providing connections to the town centre, Poole, and surrounding areas.
For visitors arriving by car, public car parks such as the Boscombe Chine Gardens car park are within a 10-minute walk. On-street parking is available but limited, and charges apply during the day. Cycling is also an option, with cycle racks located near the arcade.
The studio’s central location makes it easy to combine a visit with other nearby attractions without the need for additional transport.
Costs and accessibility
There is no entrance fee to visit Bunker Art Studio, as it is a working studio open to the public. Purchases of artwork or prints are available for those interested. Workshops and classes have separate fees, which vary depending on the session length and materials provided.
The Royal Arcade and the studio are accessible to wheelchair users, with level access and no steps at the entrance. However, visitors with mobility impairments may wish to check specific access details in advance via the studio’s social media or contact channels.
Who Bunker Art Studio suits
Bunker Art Studio appeals to visitors interested in contemporary art, local artists, and the creative process. It offers an opportunity to see art being made and to engage directly with the artist in a relaxed setting. The studio is suitable for adults and older children with an interest in visual arts.
It is less suited to large groups or those expecting a traditional gallery experience with permanent staff and fixed hours. Instead, it complements visits to other cultural venues in Bournemouth and Boscombe, providing a more personal and informal encounter with art.
For visitors planning a cultural day out, combining Bunker Art Studio with a walk along Boscombe Beach or a visit to Boscombe Arts Depot offers a varied and enriching experience.
Explore more about Bournemouth’s cultural scene and independent art spaces in our things to do in Bournemouth guide, or plan your visit with details on museums and galleries and the beaches. For accommodation nearby, see our where to stay section.