Month: June 2025

Woman with long blonde hair and a grey cardigan, sat in a studio sketching at an easel.

Meet the Tutor: Debby Thurston

Posted on | by Emma Abrams

Meet one of our newest tutors, professional interior designer Debby Thurston. Having had a varied career working on projects ranging from hotels to listed buildings, Debby currently works as a consultant, on personal projects and lectures. When teaching, she focuses on designs for the everyday home – prioritising budget and practicalities – that ooze individual style.

Tell us about yourself and your background.  How did you get into interior design?

Leaving school with just A Levels and no career direction, and then marrying at 21, meant making money, to help support the family, was a priority.  Whilst working with interior designers, to set up a shop on the Kings Road, I discovered a really interesting and growing profession that combined my interests in DIY, furnishings and property.

I quickly realised that to succeed, especially in the commercial market, needed good qualifications and I took out a career development loan to study full time at KLC, College of Interior Design. I sold my car and took in a lodger to help finance my studies. I was the only mature student with children and a house to manage, alongside the very demanding course.

I gained honours graduating in 1988 but there was limited work. I needed an income and took on anything I could, working with architects and other interior practices part time for experience. I was also engaged to assist students at the college (KLC) which developed into running courses and lecturing.

Once on my career path, I realised the challenge of working on hotels, retail and hairdressers far more exciting and demanding in standards of creative design. Answering to a brief and the satisfaction of delivering to a team, suited my personal style and talents.  However, I saw first-hand how much design success, rested on the build implementation and went back to UCL, (Bartlette Institution) to do an Msc in Construction Refurbishment Management, which gave me a unique qualification. I expanded my projects to include top end domestic, ecclesiastical work, ski chalets, listed buildings in the UK and Dublin and developed my lecturing. It was varied, dynamic and eventually fruitful.

What are your favourite interior design styles and how do you operate?

I don’t have a favourite historical period and have no set style, as I answer to a client’s brief, researching and working with them to achieve their ideals. The decoration and functionality should be designed together. Budget plays a major role, particularly today, with rising costs in labour and materials. Breaking a project into manageable chunks, allows better management and flexibility, as long as there is a defined concept that steers the developing path.

What do you hope students will get out of your courses?

As a lecturer, I explain how to put a decorative scheme together that works with existing items bringing new life to an interior. Good ergonomics and space awareness is based working with a floor plan ‘to scale’. Lighting and colour can be confusing using today’s current technology and needs testing and researching. I explain how to produce a brief and specification, obtaining realistic budgets to help working with your builders and staying in control as a client.

I want people to feel confident they have achieved the best possible for their money that gives longevity, delivers flexibility and enhances their lifestyle. Your interior should ooze your personality and style and serve as retreat from the everyday but open up for a party and family and not just bow to fashion or favoured set styles.

For anyone starting their interior design journey, here are Debby’s myth busters and top tips…

Interior Design Myths

Interior Design is marketed as image being the only goal with limitless money, but I believe in achieving beautiful but workable solutions with the best value for money.  Interior decoration and interior design are quite different and often confused.  One is more soft furnishings orientated and the other more three dimensional plus décor and similar to architecture. My preferred styles are contemporary biased.

Tips for those starting on a project

My approach and advice is always to take time with the design and prepare before asking a builder for a quote!  Attempting a whole house makeover is very complex especially if combined with structural alterations, requiring all the regulations and needs good planning, the right team and realistic budgets. There are always surprises, but minimising ‘extras’ means preparation, although refurbishment is particularly challenging and contingency a ‘must have’.  

I am very much looking forward to working at the Guildford Institute, with a new course, some key lectures, giving inspiration and knowledge on Interior Design.

So, if you’d like to boost your interior design confidence and know-how, in a practical and accessible way, Debby’s upcoming courses are perfect for you!

Interior Design: The Inside Story

Thursday 17 July, 10am – 1pm

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Residential Interior Design: Master the Basics

8 – 28 August (4 Thursdays), 10am – 12pm

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Residential Interior Design Workshop: Your Interior Design Scheme

Thursday 11 September, 10am – 1pm

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Celebrate creativity and community at our Open Mic Nights

Posted on | by Emma Abrams

We began our Open Mic Nights in October 2023. Having held our fourth event last month, we have welcomed many performers from near and far including singers, poets and comedians! These evenings have become a staple in our events programme – bringing the community together, celebrating creativity and providing a welcoming space for anyone to perform. Whether you’re interested in watching our next Open Mic or taking to the stage, find out what makes them so special.

Celebrating Creativity at Open Mic Nights at The Guildford Institute

There’s something magical about the connection between art and community, and nowhere is that more evident than at our Open Mic Nights. These events are not just about performance; they’re a celebration of creativity, passion, and the unique stories that each individual brings to the stage.

A Gathering of Like-minded Individuals

Every Open Mic Night brings together individuals from all walks of life but each participant shares a common thread—a love for artistic expression and a desire to connect. Whether you’re a budding songwriter, a seasoned performer, or someone simply looking to share a heartfelt poem, there’s a place for you here.

Professional musician Saiichi Sugiyama

Open Mic Nights: a lady with short blonde hair and a patterned dress stood reading poetry

The Power of Sharing

At the GI Open Mics, sharing your art is as simple as taking the mic and expressing yourself. A soloist accompanied by a squeaky duck, the velvety tones of a soulful vocalist, an eco-warrior duo performing an inspiring song, or an elderly lady sharing her beautiful poetry (as enjoyed at our event on Saturday 31st May) each contribution is met with warmth and enthusiasm. This openness brings a genuine connection among performers and the audience alike, reminding us of the power of art to bridge gaps and bring people together.

Belinda from Wey Poets

Kindness and Support Above All

One of the standout features of the Open Mic Nights is the unmistakable sense of kindness and support that fills the room. There is no competition, this community thrives on encouragement. Every performance is celebrated, and the audience’s support resonates with meaningful applause and cheers. This is a safe space to express oneself without fear of judgment, and where encouragement replaces critique.

A True Community Event

At its heart the Open Mic Nights are all about community with a focus on celebrating creativity, connection and joy within the local arts scene. These events are not about making money; they’re run by volunteers including trustees and staff who enjoy providing a supportive space for anyone to express themselves.

Nature warrior duo The Lurxx

Open Mic Nights at the GI are more than mere performances; they demonstrate the power of community and creativity. They provide a platform for individuals to share their passions, support one another, and celebrate a diverse range of talent.

So, whether you’re a performer or an audience member, join us for an evening of inspiration, laughter, and shared experience – it’s a celebration of what it means to be creative and we would love to see you there! Our next Open Mic Night is on: TBA.

Volunteer Stories

Posted on | by Emma Abrams

Our volunteers make a big difference to our small charity. Simply put, we couldn’t do it without them! Being a busy community building, we have volunteers helping us with anything and everything – from running the library, supervising our visits, assisting with events and working on Reception.

This Volunteers’ Week, we want to shine a spotlight on some of our dedicated volunteers and all that they do to support us. Hear from our wonderful volunteers Viv, Becca and Rob as they share their stories and experiences volunteering at the GI.

Viv Crawshaw, Library Volunteer

Viv has been volunteering in our Library for an incredible 10 years. Alongside this, she is also an artist and creates stunning cards which are available to purchase at Reception, with all proceeds going to the GI.

Volunteers' Week: Viv smiling, with short grey hair and wearing a purple jumper.

“I have been volunteering at the GI library for 10 years. I worked for 13 years at Oxford University before moving to Surrey in 1996, 9 of which were spent as a Library Assistant in the Hooke undergraduate lending library, part of the Bodleian Library. I loved working there plus have always been a regular library user myself, so when a volunteer position at the GI library was suggested to me I was very happy to join the team. I enjoy meeting the public, undertaking general library duties including processing new books, cataloguing a historic archive and, most of all, simply appreciate spending time in the beautiful old library which all are welcome to join and enjoy.

I have been making art in one way or another for as long as I can remember; attended a life drawing class for 10 years, and several varied art courses over the years, mostly at the St Ives School of Painting, exhibiting both in Oxford and Guildford in the past. I have tried several versions of printmaking; linocut, drypoint, collograph, screen printing but for the last few years have preferred monoprinting on glass, board and, latterly, gelli plates. Monoprinting is a technique where a unique print is created, and cannot be repeated. I prefer to work with leaves or stems using multiple layers of water based acrylics but also use stencils and objects to create texture and interest. A large number of prints never make it onto cards but can be used for collage work in sketch books. Monoprinting is addictive so I found cardmaking as an outlet to fulfill my needs and decided to offer them for sale in aid of charities. I have been donating my cards to the GI for about two years, suggesting keeping sale prices low to encourage sales.

I am also continuing to work on biological ecoprinting, started last year. The process involves bundling plant materials together between sheets of paper, then steaming or boiling the bundle to transfer the colour and patterns from the plants to the paper. The resulting monoprints can be used for card making. If successful I will be donating some of these for sale at the GI”.

Becca Tompkins, Communications and Engagement Intern

Becca is one of our newer volunteers but has already become an essential part of the team. As our Communications and Engagement Intern, each week Becca greets and assists visitors at Reception, helps with our busy afternoon talks, as well as supporting us with tasks ranging from making website events to preparing invoices.

Volunteers' Week: Becca smiling, with brunette hair tied back and wearing a white top.

“I have been volunteering at the GI since February 2025, around 4 months and I do a few hours every week. In the time, I have met many lovely people, had many great laughs, and generally had the best time.

One main reason I started volunteering is to become more independent. I have volunteered at libraries and other charities but none like this one. The idea of helping the community and providing support where I can makes me want to do much more in the future.

There are many memorable moments, but the best ones are meeting regular users of the GI and catching up or seeing others who I’ve known from outside the GI and having that funny moment when you realise you know each other. I find the best moments are simply having a conversation or seeing a smile from someone, making their day better.

What I most like about volunteering is the environment; everyone is so welcoming and helpful. I also love working with the community and meeting the variety of people we have enter the building. The spreadsheets and website edits are also a fun bonus!

To anyone thinking about volunteering, I would say do it! It’s a great environment, enjoyable experience and worthwhile. It’s hard to find something I enjoy doing so much”.

Rob Durham, Library Volunteer

Rob has been volunteering with us for over 10 years. While primarily working in our Library, Rob goes above and beyond helping us with our talks, visits and just generally anything we need a hand with!

Volunteers' Week: Rob with short grey hair, wearing a dark jacket and white shirt

“When I retired, some thirteen years ago, I was looking for something to keep me out of trouble. I joined The Guildford Institute as I thought I might do one or two classes. Shortly afterwards an email appeared asking for volunteers to help pack up the library when the building was to be refurbished. I agreed to help and was hooked.

I am not the fastest of readers, and therefore not well read, but I love books. For me, working in the library is like being a kid in a sweet shop. Recently, someone came into the library who was researching the life of Cecil Rhodes. Had we anything on him? Apart from a book, in two volumes, on his life we had two other books with references to him. One dated from about 1890 had a title such as “The Men who made the British Empire.” I was amused to see that the book had not been lent out since 1915 but was still available for loan.

The Institute occasionally ask me to do other things to help. I enjoy volunteering at the Institute as I know what I do is really appreciated. I would recommend it to anyone”.

We hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know our volunteers. Whether you’re at the start of your career or are recently retired and interested in volunteering at the GI, we’d love to hear from you! Please visit our volunteers page for more information and to complete our enquiry form.

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