Twickenham's Eel Pie Island is a private enclave enveloped in musical legend, artistic curios galore — and a good deal of secrecy.
Though you can cross the footbridge onto the piscatorially-monikered island anytime you like, you'll only get a tantalising whiff of the creative minds buzzing inside (think shrubbery-ensconced huts festooned with headless mannequins, skeletons in cages, and other forms of screwball sculpture).
But for two weekends this summer, you'll get access into the Eel Pie Island's inner sanctum, thanks to Summer Open Studios.
Taking place on 25-26 June, and again on 2-3 July, Summer Open Studios beckons you into the creative hubs of the artists who live and work on the island. While enjoying a rare opportunity to hobnob with the locals, you can peruse handmade ceramics, oil paintings, jewellery, ceramic sculptures, cartoons and the like. And of course, if any particular treasure ruffles your truffles, you can take it back to the mainland with you.
While you're in Twickenham, we recommend a trip to Eel Pie Island Museum — a tiny temple which details the island's rock n' roll roots — as well as famous residents, including the late Trevor Baylis, inventor of the wind-up radio. (The museum's on the Twickenham mainland, and you can visit any time of year, Thursday-Sunday.)
Eel Pie Island Artists Summer Open Studios, Twickenham, free entry, 25-26 June and 2-3 July, 11am-6pm on both Saturdays and Sundays. Not all studios are open both weekends, so if there's someone you particularly want to visit, check ahead.
