Philip Blacker Studio Ltd

Philip Blacker's studio sits quietly on the outskirts of Faringdon, and it's the sort of place you'll only find if you're actually looking for it. The man himself was a sculptor of considerable talent, and his workspace remains as a working studio rather than a polished museum piece - which means you're getting the real thing, not a sanitised version.

What you're visiting here is genuine creative space. Tools, half-finished pieces, the accumulated detritus of decades spent making art - it all adds up to something far more interesting than a traditional gallery. You can see exactly how Blacker worked, what materials he favoured, and the sheer physical effort involved in sculpture. History types and anyone serious about art will find it properly absorbing.

The catch is that opening arrangements seem fluid, so ringing ahead is essential before you make the trip out. It's not a place that screams for three hours of your time, but if you're camped at The Real Campsite just down the road - frankly one of the better spots in the area - then it makes a worthwhile half-hour detour. Faringdon Grange and Lincoln Farm Park Partnership are both nearby too, so you could build this into a broader day exploring the area.

Not for those after comfortable, easy access or guaranteed opening hours. But if you're genuinely interested in how working artists actually spend their time, it's worth the effort to track down.