Craft Focus - Apr/May (Issue 66)

WEST DEAN COLLEGE TO HOST CRAFT FESTIVAL West Dean College of Arts and Conservation has announced that its annual arts and crafts festival will take place from 1 st -3 rd June, 2018. The historic college will open its gates to more than 5,000 visitors and 200 artists, printmakers, craftspeople and writers. There will also be a range of exciting live demonstrations, performances, demonstrations and tours. Visit westdean.org.uk for more information. HANDMADE FAIR RETURNS TO WARWICKSHIRE Kirstie Allsopp’s Handmade Fair will return to Ragley Hall in Warwickshire this summer, from 11 th to 13 th May. The show programme will include live competitions, craft demonstrations and Q&As, together with a range of creative workshops to help consumers learn new skills and share tips. Subjects will include needle felting, calligraphy, wirework and Indian block printing. There will also be a retail element, with tools, materials and handmade products on display. A number of well-known figures will be attending, including Kirstie Allsopp, Keith Brymer Jones and Edith Bowman. “Last year saw the Handmade Fair’s first visit to Ragley Hall, and it really was a wonderful weekend,” says Freya Kingsley, sales and show manager at Brand Events. “We’re delighted to be returning this summer and we look forward to celebrating the beauty of handmade with all of our visitors.” Tickets range between £12 and £90. Go to thehandmadefair.com for more information. GLOUCESTER GUILD TO SHOW ITS WORK The Gloucestershire Guild of Craftsmen will present its spring show at the Market House in Tetbury from 2 nd -10 th June, 2018. The group will showcase its creativity and craftsmanship, and visitors will have a chance to view, buy and commission unusual handcrafted work across all mediums. There will also be demonstrations in jewellery making, ceramics, weaving, book making and basketry. Visit guildcrafts.org.uk for details. 26 craft focus