About Manchester Studios RVA

Inspired by her studies at the renowned Florence Academy of Art, classically trained figurative artist Constance Ramsey Bowden founded Manchester Studios RVA to bring a world-class atelier experience to artists here in the United States. Her vision was to create a place where serious study of the portrait and human form could flourish in an environment that was both grounded in classical tradition and infused with creative energy.

Almost miraculously, within weeks of her return from Florence, a large studio space became available at Plant Zero in the historic Old Manchester district of Richmond, Virginia. Set within a former packaging warehouse, the studio offered everything she could have hoped for: expansive open space, weathered brick walls with the patina of age, towering exposed beams, and an unmistakable industrial charm.

Studio 28 at Plant Zero became home to Manchester Studios RVA for many years and hosted a series of memorable workshops led by internationally acclaimed artists from Florence, across Europe, and throughout the United States. The space fostered community, creativity, and lifelong friendships among students and instructors alike.

But in 2022, the building was slated for demolition, leaving Manchester Studios without a home.

Then, another stroke of serendipity struck. After a year of searching for a new space, Constance and her husband Tom happened to drive past a grand Revival-style building with a sign that read “Leasing Soon!” Tom gestured toward it and said, “Maybe we should rent that!” Constance laughed, replying, “Sure, after we hit the lottery!” But the next morning, she reconsidered and decided to make an inquiry—just to ask.

Within hours, Constance and Tom found themselves standing in a stunning architectural space, speaking with the building’s owner, Ethan Perkins. Ethan shared how he had spent nearly two decades painstakingly restoring the building and had turned down numerous offers from boutiques and restaurants. He explained that, after years of dedication and craftsmanship, he and his wife wanted the space to serve a truly creative purpose. It was a perfect match.

Today, Manchester Studios RVA thrives in its beautiful new home—a 1928 Revival-style bank building with soaring 24-foot ceilings and soaring Palladian windows that flood the space with natural light. The studio’s graceful proportions and luminous atmosphere make it a profoundly inspiring environment for artistic work. With a comfortable kitchen and inviting neighborhood walks for lunch breaks, it offers both practicality and beauty—a true sanctuary for the creative spirit.

This is more than just a studio. It’s a home for artists, a gathering place for learning, and a living testament to the enduring power of art, community, and a little bit of serendipity