Where and what are Turps Studios?
Turps Studios are based in South East London, approx 10 minutes walk from Elephant and Castle Station, and close to major bus routes. Turps Studios inhabit just over 5000 sq ft of space, across five separate units on an elevated walkway in Taplow House. Taplow House is a brutalist residential tower block, and one of the last remaining buildings of the original Aylesbury Estate.
Four of the unit contain studios for the studio programme painters, and one is the home of Turps Gallery, which operates as a hub for talks and crits for the studio programme as well as a hosting a rolling programme of shows by emerging and internationally renowned artists. Turps Gallery has been closed to the public due to Covid restrictions since March 2020. We look forward to reopening when restrictions allow.
How many Painters are enrolled on the studio programme each year?
Usually, we have between 22 - 25 painters on the programme each year. However, during 2020/21 we reduced the cohort to eighteen as part of our adaptations to enable a covid safe studio.
How much space does each painter get in the studios?
The studios are open plan and the layout is flexible and often changes year to year. Different parts of the spaces benefit from different aspects, be it light, ceiling height, wall space or floor space. On average each painter has a space of between 150 - 180 sq ft when at full capacity of 25 painters.
How is the course structured?
The course is structured around a standard academic year format, starting in the autumn and concluding the following summer. The structured mentoring aspect spans 34 weeks of the year with winter and spring breaks, however, the studios are open 24/7 and we expect painters to use the studios as they would their own professional studios. Talks usually happen on Mondays and mentoring on Tuesday – Thursday. As a number of our painters have childcare responsibilities we aim to programme talks and events outside of regular school holidays.
Is there a workshop/technician?
There is no workshop or technician at Turps. Individuals are required to provide their own materials and tools to enable them to make work.
How many days can I be in the studio?
Once enrolled the studios are available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
Can I work part-time and still do the course?
We recognise most painters will have work or family responsibilities, however, we generally expect our painters to be in the studios for a minimum of 3 days per week. Undertaking the programme is a commitment that shouldn’t be underestimated and we discuss how best to get the most out of the programme with all shortlisted applicants at interview.
How long is the course?
Turps Studio Programme is one academic year, running from October until July, however many participants chose to stay on for a second year.
How many times will I see my mentor and for how long?
You will see your regular mentor at least twelve times across the year, you will also have the opportunity to speak to visiting artists and guest mentors during the year. Each mentor see approximately six painters in one day. Usually the session are ‘one to one’ and can last up to one hour, and sometimes group sessions, or discussions that may be orchestrated by the mentor across a day involving all six painters.
Who are the mentors and how many are there?
When the programme is at full capacity there are four regular mentors on the programme supported by the Programme Leader. The mentors are all practising artists at different stages of their career, with their own interests and ideas about painting. We publish a list of current mentors across all programmes on our website.
Can I select my mentor?
No, the Programme Leader and Turps Education Directors look at the cohort each year, select mentors and allocate painters on a case by case basis. However, sometimes a painter will have already worked with a mentor previously in another institution and in this case, we will take this into account.
Will I only see one mentor?
There will be plenty of opportunities to see the other mentors on the programme from time to time, as well as receive tutorials from the Programme Leader, Phil Allen and Turps founder, Marcus Harvey. We also bring in a range of visiting speakers and artists who provide additional mentoring opportunities. There are two ‘ all painter’ crits during the year as well as at least six other opportunities led by the Programme Leader for group seminars and smaller crit projects. These projects evolve each year in response to the input from the painters on the programme.
Can I request to see my mentor at other times?
The mentors are engaged for a specific number of visits per year. If you are unable to see your mentor on a specific day we will do our best to arrange a replacement session with another mentor or with the Programme Leader.
Do you publish a timetable online?
No, we don’t publish a timetable, the structure shifts slightly year to year in response to the numbers of painters joining the programme and learnings from the previous years. It would be misleading to publish a timetable here, however, we will discuss an indicative timetable at the open day and see ‘How is the course structured? ‘ above.
Is there an end of year exhibition?
In previous years we have always presented a celebration event to showcase work by leaving painters. This has taken place in many different venues across London over the past six years, usually during the summer transition between academic years and the leaving painters very much take an active role in how the show happens, from designing invitation cards to hosting the opening event and invigilating the space.
How do I apply for a second year?
We start to discuss second-year places on an individual basis just after the winter break in February. Second-year places will then be confirmed before we start an interview for new first-year places.
What are the fees?
The fee for 2025/26 is £6,850.
How do I apply?
We have an online application form. Click here to apply.
Do I need to have a degree or relevant qualification?
Some experience in art education is desirable. Many painters apply to Turps having completed a first or masters degree in fine art, however, we also accept applications from painters who have arrived at their practice from a less conventional path, or via a different degree or career. What is key is an active and dedicated engagement to their practice and an understanding of contemporary discourse around painting.
Is the course accredited? What can I expect after Turps?
No. Turps Studio Programme is not an accredited qualification. We are an independent, not for profit organisation offering studio practice development programmes to practising artists. As well focusing on developing an individuals own practice during their time at Turps, there is a strong encouragement to developed the skills to enable peer to peer mentoring in a supportive, critical and intelligent way. This is the most effective way of developing a sustainable network of peers beyond the programme, and our alumni are a testament to this. We don’t offer career development in terms of giving advice about how to get a gallery, or a show, or create publicity for yourself. This is well catered for in other courses elsewhere and whilst our mentors will be happy to talk about their own experiences it is too distracting from the core ethos of the programme.
Can I apply for funding for this course? Will I be eligible for student discount?
We are happy to support any application for funding. Usually, this will be a letter of support or a letter confirming that you have been accepted onto the course. As Turps is unaccredited, you will not be classified as a student however professional development grants are sometimes available. In general, Turps painters are also not eligible for any student discounts. However, we do from time to time develop agreements with some materials suppliers.
Do you accept applications from overseas artists?
Yes. We regularly receive and accept applicants from overseas. As an unaccredited programme and so we are currently unable to support educational visas. You will be responsible for organising your own visa to enable you to attend the programme. We can support Visa applications with provisional letter of acceptance. However, we can’t advise or process individual Visa applications.
English is not my first language, can I still apply?
Yes, however, the programme is delivered in English.
How can I find out more information?
Please email info@turpsbanana.com with any further questions.
