Located in the Heart of the National Forest.
Christine Varley Studio is located in the Heart of the National forest on the border of Derbyshire & Leicestershire near Ashby-De-La-Zouch. It has direct links from the midlands M6, M42 and M1 motorways. Christine works on her paintings in her garden studio surrounded by her dogs and other animals. You can visit the studio by appointment.
Having outgrown the first Studio, Christine now works from her new purpose-built studio. The construction involved all members of the family, tiling the roof, painting the walls, mixing the cement. Even Charlie, the lurcher, cast his eyes ensuring the building was built to his strict standards.
A traditional wood burner keeps it cosy in winter and on warm summer days the studio doors are wide open and filled with the sound of bird song.
Our Fury Friends
Over the years, we have had many fury (and feathery!) friends.
Meg, our golden Border Collie was a rescue dog from Dog's Trust. Who later became a P.A.T. dog and greeted customers in the royal prior shopping centre during our shows. Lucy, our little Welsh Collie Cross was another rescue dog who spent most of her time in our art gallery in Warwick. She often won obedience and agility competitions and was very intelligent. Molly, our crazy Springer Spaniel is our mascot for WaggyDogz and Christine Varley Studio. She can be found on the homepage. She enjoyed most days in the studio watching the geese fly overhead.
Our current dogs include Wolfie, the Border Collie was raised on a remote Derbyshire farm and still lives with us and will ask all of our visitors to play ball. Charlie, our handsome lurcher enjoys most days sleeping in his bed and then runs like the wind around the nearby lake. Oscar, our gorgeous working cocker pup still thinks it's funny to chew up all the beds.
In addition to our dogs, we've had many generations of Guinea Pigs, three litters of pups, hens, chicks and a very feisty cockerel.
Photo Shoots
Book an appointment at the studio and bring your pets to us to have your pets photographed for your portrait. Photo shoots typically last approximately 45-60 mins (longer for bigger groups). I will take a selection of photos - With my experience I have techniques to photograph even the most difficult pets - together we will choose your favourite for the portrait.
Alternatively, it is sometimes possible for Christine to visit your home (or stable) for a photo shoot, please enquire for availability.