CONTEMPORARY CRAFT FESTIVAL IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE

Image: Glass vases, Beryl Morgan.

The Gloucestershire Guild’s biennial celebration of contemporary craft, ‘Crafts Alive at Rodmarton Manor’, takes place this September. The five-day event is a unique re-imagining of an important Arts and Crafts houses, Rodmarton Manor in Gloucestershire, which was designed in 1909 and built by hand.

The theme of ‘Flowers and the Maker’ references a radio interview with Mary Biddulph about a flower festival which was held at Rodmarton Manor to raise funds for the village church. It will be illustrated by an exhibition of outstanding contemporary craftworks especially made for, and inspired by the house and its floral surroundings with the emphasis on sustainability.

Eight makers and four florists will create collaborative displays. Flowers and foliage are combined with basketry, ceramics, jewellery and textiles in a unique way for the 2025 festival. In addition to these disciplines, participating guild members create a wide range of crafts, including glass, bookbinding, calligraphy, paper arts, textiles, leatherwork, woodwork and furniture

Original work will be for sale, alongside guest exhibitors, demonstrations, workshops, talks, theatrical performances and locally made food and drinks. Crafts Alive is a project borne out of a passionate belief in demonstrating the huge social value of the Arts & Crafts and in creating something well made, with access to all.

The festival runs from 10 to 14 September. For more information visit the website.