A north Norfolk day centre with an international reputation for its work with adults with learning difficulties is celebrating its 30th anniversary next month.

Eastern Daily Press: Barrington Farm artist Barry Skinner, who has been attending the centre since 1998. Picture: KAREN BETHELLBarrington Farm artist Barry Skinner, who has been attending the centre since 1998. Picture: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Barrington Farm, at Walcott, was the idea of care home owner Janith Bastow and her art school graduate son Martin, who wanted to provide a creative outlet that would nuture the talents and dreams of their residents.

After buying a 20-acre piece of farmland, the Bastow family set about transforming an Elizabethan barn into an art studio, with cattle sheds turned into social areas, a sensory room and accommodation, and arable land changed to a working organic livestock farm with chickens, sheep and rare breed pigs.

Eastern Daily Press: Barrington Farm Art Barn. Picture: KAREN BETHELLBarrington Farm Art Barn. Picture: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

The centre has since gone from strength to strength and now provides day service opportunities for around 50 adults from all over Norwich and north Norfolk.

The 'Art Barn' has become well-known for its work with 'outsider' artists, some of whom have exhibited at prestigious venues including Tate Britain, Selfridges of London and the Irish Museum of Modern Art.

Eastern Daily Press: Support worker Ros French (left) with Barrington Farm service user Hazel Mavin. Picture: KAREN BETHELLSupport worker Ros French (left) with Barrington Farm service user Hazel Mavin. Picture: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Artists also take part in the Norfolk Open Studios scheme each year and, while selling work is not a priority, pieces by well-known Barrington Farm artists such as Barbara Symmons and James Gladwell can fetch up to £1,000.

General manager Teresa Mackenzie put the success of the farm, which is also used by local schools, down to its 'unique' atmosphere.

Eastern Daily Press: Service users at work in Barrington Farm's Art Barn. Picture: KAREN BETHELLService users at work in Barrington Farm's Art Barn. Picture: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

'I think it gives people a chance to grow, lets them develop their potential and allows them the freedom to express themselves,' she said.

Practising artist Sarah Ballard, who has run the Art Barn for 17 years, said that, for many people, visiting the centre had a positive impact on wellbeing and behaviour.

Eastern Daily Press: At work on the farm. Picture: KAREN BETHELLAt work on the farm. Picture: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

'It can change their whole outlook,' she added. 'And, for some of our artists, coming here gives meaning to their lives and they are so incredibly passionate and focused that it is a privilege to watch.'

Staff and service users past and present will be celebrating the centre's anniversary on October 3 with a 1980s-themed day of talks and demonstrations, as well as a barbecue and art exhibition.

Eastern Daily Press: Day service user Vincent Hemming with one of Barrington Farm's rare breed piglets. Picture: KAREN BETHELLDay service user Vincent Hemming with one of Barrington Farm's rare breed piglets. Picture: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Thanking all those who had contributed to its success, Mrs Mackenzie said: 'There is something very special about coming to the farm and the feel of open space and being surrounded by fields and sky all adds to the fantastic atmosphere.'

Eastern Daily Press: Farm manager Jenni Beck with a Gloucester Old Spot sow and her piglets. Picture: KAREN BETHELLFarm manager Jenni Beck with a Gloucester Old Spot sow and her piglets. Picture: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: At work on the farm. Picture: KAREN BETHELLAt work on the farm. Picture: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Day service user Vincent Hemming with one of Barrington Farm's rare breed piglets. Picture: KAREN BETHELLDay service user Vincent Hemming with one of Barrington Farm's rare breed piglets. Picture: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Barrington Farm artist Michael Smith on the Saori loom. Picture: KAREN BETHELLBarrington Farm artist Michael Smith on the Saori loom. Picture: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Barrington Farm curator Sarah Ballard in the centre's Art Barn. Picture: KAREN BETHELLBarrington Farm curator Sarah Ballard in the centre's Art Barn. Picture: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: James Gladwell, Hazel Mavin and Doreen Poole on the farm in the 1980s. Picture: BARRINGTON FARMJames Gladwell, Hazel Mavin and Doreen Poole on the farm in the 1980s. Picture: BARRINGTON FARM (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Drawing by Barrington Farm artist Barbara Symmons. Picture: BARRINGTON FARMDrawing by Barrington Farm artist Barbara Symmons. Picture: BARRINGTON FARM (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Cow painting by Barrington Farm artist Michael Smith. Picture: BARRINGTON FARMCow painting by Barrington Farm artist Michael Smith. Picture: BARRINGTON FARM (Image: Archant)