The SAWMILLS: The south west's major contribution to British Rock

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First opened in 1974, Sawmills is one of the longest - running residential recording facilities in the UK. The main building that houses the studio is a former 17th century water mill. Sawmills is not only historic, it's also unique in that it can be accessed only by boat.
The studio was founded by folk-rock producer TONY COX. He was a frequent client at SOUND TECHNIQUES studio in London. At one point, someone jokingly commented that he'd been spending so much time there, he might aswell buy his own studio. Apparently this struck a nerve with Cox, and he duly began scouting for possible locations. The Cornwall property that he eventually settled on had been previously owned by Welsh author Denys Val Baker.
it was becoming increasingly fashionable for artists to escape to the countryside to record their next masterpiece. Not only were bands making records in makeshift barns and cottages all over the UK, but Richard Branson's Manor in Oxfordshire and Rockfield Studios in South Wales were actually offering fully professional recording facilities in rural surroundings with considerable success.

TONY COX's vision was to set up an in-house production team, complete with house band, as Motown, Stax and Muscle Shoals studios had done in America. The incoming production work, he hoped, would generate the income required to build the facilities and at the same time create a relaxed environment conductive to making music.
His first task was to hire someone to oversee the construction of the studio and installation of its equipment. Fortunately, Sound Techniques' chief engineer JERRY BOYS - someone with whom Cox was already well acquainted was available, having recently decided to relocate to Cornwall.
It was a perfect match: Not only did Boys have all the required technical skills, he also had his own client base, and so he was promptly brought on board as chief engineer.
The Sawmills control room was initially outfitted with a 20 x 4 Sound Techniques mixing console. In 1986, a 56 x 24 TRIDENT series 80B with mix automation replaced the Sound Techniques board.

John Leckie has been a frequent producer at The Sawmills; jumping between Sawmills, Rockfield, RAK and Abbey Road Studios.