Lydia Pinkham's Laboratory — Attraction in Lynn

An old industrial building, the Lydia Pinkham's Lab site is now home to a diverse range of artists & craftspeople. Most are available by appointment, but once or twice per year, they hold an open studio event, in which most participate. This is a great opportunity to meet & view works of creatives working in two- & three-dimensional media.

New England is home to an impressive number of potters and LPL has its share. Painters, photographers, fiber artists, sculpters, & jewelry makers are all represented.

The only reason for the 4 instead of 5 star review is that this old building can be a bit user hostile in ways that may not be necessary. Many stairways are steep and narrow - nothing can reasonably done about that - but twice now I've also found the otherwise easier short flights of three or four steps (between portions of the building at different levels) can be slippery to the point of hazard so grip the rails solidly. Also, the elevators have been a bit iffy, so even if you get up the building's front steps, navigating the interior on crutches, canes, or other devices may be...

This historic building is home to a variety of artistic businesses, plus a restaurant, personal training, and so much more that I haven't even discovered it all yet. I go there as a pottery student of The Clay School, owned by Kirsten Bassion, ceramics artist extraordinaire. She's a great teacher (and like attracts like) so she has attracted so many other great teachers, and great students, and, well, it's just a great place to be and learn!

Plan to get your holiday shopping done early at the annual Open Studios held one weekend each year in mid November, the weekend before Thanksgiving (organized by Kirsten at The Clay School so be sure to stop in on the third floor #316 to feast your eyes on the creativity on display by the artists in residence. You're sure to find something unique!).

Parking in this area can be a bit of a challenge as many side streets are marked on one side for residents only, but it's worth a short walk. I've found that afternoons seem to be a little less busy in this area, so there's more...

Been here a long time ago. Pretty intriguing. Most of her stuff is still preserved. I love that our Lynn has all these interesting historical aspects to it. Frederick Douglas (the gazebo on the commons), the Luis Pinkham Lab, oldest shoe factory. I hate that people shrug Lynn off as nothing but a crime infested city. I wish people would learn to focus on the...