Hotwalls Studios is an independent art studio and makerspace set inside the historic arches of Point Battery and Barracks on Broad Street, Old Portsmouth, PO1 2FS. The site was once a coastal artillery position and military barracks, with parts dating back to the 15th century. Point Battery itself is a Grade I listed structure built around 1680, so visiting the studios also means seeing a substantial piece of Portsmouth’s harbour defences. The project opened in 2016 after the rarely used arches were converted into thirteen working studios, inspired by art sales held there from the late 1950s.
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The studios are provided by Portsmouth City Council on a time-limited basis for local artists, designers and makers. The current mix includes Studio Rumu and Tiger Lily Tufts in textiles, Follie Pots in ceramics, Frankie Brown in printmaking, Rachael Plassard in jewellery, and Louise Braithwaite in oil painting. Other residents work in drawing, taxidermy, pigment making, woven textiles, fine art, Turkish Ebru and film production. 26th of May, the jewellery and design studio run by Libbie Coulson, released its Lost Cove collection on 17 June 2026. The Paint and Draw Atelier adds another space for fine artists. As tenants change over time, the individual studios are likely to be the main reason to check the current listings before travelling.
There is more to the site than the studios themselves. The Canteen, at the corner of the two studio lines beside the Round Tower, is a deli-style café and restaurant run by Lucy and Bill Branson. It serves artisan sandwiches, freshly baked pastries, coffee and fresh juices, with wine, craft beer and sharing plates available until 21:00 from May to September. Its stated hours are 08:00–17:00 year-round, and it uses a first-come, first-served queue rather than bookings. The Deck provides views across the harbour and Solent, while The Hut serves Jude’s ice creams on sunny summer days. Artists in residence receive 25% off at The Canteen.
Hotwalls also runs three Creative Markets each year—spring, summer and Christmas—along with undercover exhibitions. The next listed event is a Polymer Clay Earring Workshop on 29 August 2026. With the studios, café, harbour views and regular events all gathered within the old fortifications, it works well for a relaxed browse rather than a quick gallery stop. The Google Maps listing is the most practical place to check access and current opening details before setting off.
Published Date
21 August 2026
