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Accessibility in the Art Studio: Creating Art with an Accessible Easel

  • amyleejulian
  • Jun 13, 2024
  • 2 min read
A young artist in a powerchair is working at a custom-built easel. She is holding a palette and appears focused on her painting, which depicts a detailed image of a powerchair. The easel is designed to be accessible, with space for her powered wheelchair to fit comfortably underneath and wheels for mobility. The setting is a well-lit studio.

As a student of BA (Hons) Painting, Drawing & Printmaking at Arts University Plymouth, I've had the pleasure of working with Harrison Newman, the Workshop Coordinator. Harrison helped me find a suitable easel for my needs as a powered wheelchair user, using the university’s woodworking facilities.


Harrison's journey began while crafting a high-end easel for himself. During a chat with a lecturer, Richard Webb learned about the difficulty in finding an accessible easel. He offered his skills to create a custom easel that met my needs and helped him improve his craft.


To start the project, Harrison and I discussed my specific requirements in detail. We talked about my comfortable reach range and the manoeuvrability of my powerchair. This initial conversation was crucial in designing an easel that works seamlessly with my powerchair. We decided on a floor-standing easel with wheels for easy mobility, allowing me to position it wherever I needed without constraints.


Harrison chose materials like pine and aluminium to create a sturdy yet lightweight easel. The smooth, splinter-free surface prevents any discomfort, and the wide, anti-slip base ensures stability, even when I lean forward to paint. Throughout the process, we worked closely together, and my feedback guided his decisions to make sure the easel truly met my needs.

A custom-built wooden easel designed for accessibility, featuring a sturdy frame with a metal palette shelf and adjustable winch handle for height adjustment. The easel includes wheels at the base for easy mobility and has a smooth, splinter-free surface. The design accommodates wheelchair users by providing ample space and stability.

One of the unique challenges Harrison faced was designing an easel accessible to wheelchair users, as most traditional easels have bars running along the floor, obstructing access. Harrison’s innovative design maintained stability without compromising accessibility, making it easier for me to work comfortably.


Harrison’s inclusive approach extends beyond my easel. He actively assists all students, regardless of their skill level or background, in bringing their creative projects to life. His commitment to inclusivity is evident in his continued efforts to design adjustable easels and painting palette tables that cater to various needs.


Working with Harrison has been transformative. Our meetings and email exchanges ensured the easel was perfectly suited to my needs, allowing me to fit my powerchair comfortably and adjust the height as needed. This new easel has enabled me to work on larger pieces, enhancing my confidence and expanding my artistic capabilities.


Arts University Plymouth's dedication to inclusivity and diversity is commendable. The university's supportive environment has been crucial in my artistic journey. Harrison’s easel is just one example of the university’s commitment to fostering a compassionate and inclusive community for all students.


As I prepare for my Graduate Show this June, I am excited to showcase the incredible work I've been able to create thanks to Harrison's bespoke easel. Stay tuned for some truly inspiring art pieces!


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