Old O2 store in Andover to be rejuvenated as creative studio

The 'Many Words For Snow' project will see the old O2 store at 53 Chantry Way, Andover, reimagined as a public art space from January 3 to 31, 2026.

The project is led by Dr Laurence Dube-Rushby, Tina Scahill FRSA, Kate Mieczkowska, and Simon Peter Green.

The project will turn the shop into a pop-up studio that invites the community to take part in open creative activities.

Mr Peter Green, who is an artist and photographer, said: "The project responds to the disappearance of high street portrait studios and aims to make high-quality portraiture more accessible.

A series of photos taken by Simon Peter Green (Image: Simon Peter Green)

"Many Words For Snow is an invitation to rethink what art can be and to experience contemporary creative practice as something social, welcoming, and rooted in the local community."

The project will offer a range of events and hands-on activities throughout the month, giving residents and visitors a chance to experience art-making up close in an accessible, welcoming environment.

A key feature of the programme will be 'Unmaking as a Reimagining Practice', where Dr Dube-Rushby will present evolving works that encourage public interaction and dialogue.

The space will also host 'The Teachers Network', a series of two sessions designed for artist-teachers and creative professionals working inside and outside formal education.

Ms Dube-Rushby and Ms Scahill, both council members of the National Society for Education in Art and Design (NSEAD), will lead the sessions, which will focus on discussion, networking, and peer support.

The first session will take place on Friday, January 16, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, and the second on Saturday, January 17, from 2pm to 4pm.

Visitors can also take part in 'The People’s Portrait Studio’, where Mr Green will offer professional portraits at no cost.

A series of photos taken by Simon Peter Green (Image: Simon Peter Green)

The project aims to revive the tradition of high street portrait photography, making it accessible to the public once again.

Another highlight is the revival of the Andover Mummers’ play, a Christmas tradition that faded in the late 1960s.

Working with a local playwright and historian, the artists plan to bring back the performance with a contemporary twist, aiming to stage the refreshed play by Christmas 2026.

Students from Rookwood and Winton schools will also be involved, exploring digital creativity through audio, photography, film, and music production.

Winton School will work in partnership with Andover Library as part of the project.

The space will also feature an exhibition titled ‘Nextdoor Andover’, created by Mr Green in collaboration with the Cultural Sharing Forum and other community partners.

The exhibition explores stories of migration and identity in Andover, celebrating the diversity and shared experiences of its residents.

On Friday, January 23, a multimedia event titled ‘UN_ASKED’ will take place from 5.30pm to 8.30pm.

A series of photos taken by Simon Peter Green (Image: Simon Peter Green)

The event will transform the shop into a relaxed, social space featuring experimental photography, projection, and sound.

Work will be shown from photographers across the UK, including Anna Fox, Karen Knorr, Sunil Gupta, Alys Tomlinson, and Jim Mortram.

On Friday, January 30, ‘New British Rural’, an exhibition and seminar exploring life in the British countryside through art, poetry, books, and film, will take place.

The event will include the live premiere of Roy Chatfield’s play S for Freedom and will support the Farmers Mental Health Network and SPANA.

Many Words For Snow runs from January 3 to 31 at The Old O2 Mobile Phone Shop, 53 Chantry Way, Andover.

Opening times are intermittent, with events and activities scheduled throughout the month.

A full programme and updates will be available online.