News
Woodturner's contribution and skills recognised'in Queen's Birthday Honours List
We are very pleased to announce that the Guild President has been awarded the first ever Master in Turning Award 2012, a lifetime achievement award.
Our shop at Hartlebury Castle, nr Kidderminster has new stock added throughout the year. Visit to find work by many of the Guild's makers. Opening Times Tues - Fri 10am - 5pm Sat and Sun 11am - 5pm.
Entry to the shop and cafe is free; there is no need to purchase a museum ticket, so pop in as often as you like!
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The Worcestershire Guild of Designer Makers celebrated its sixtieth anniversary in April 2012.
The inaugural meeting was held in Bromsgrove Library on 23rd April 1952, with the express aim of ensuring that high standards were maintained in all craft professions, particularly within Worcestershire.
The founder members were blacksmith and silversmith Alan Knight, glass engraver Alice Knight, furniture makers Anthony Barham,' John Frith, Lesley Ladell and William Fowkes, potter Howard Bissell, stained glass maker Albert Lemmon, and ecclesiastical woodcarver and sculpter Robert Pancheri, all of whom were both nationally and internationally recognised for the quality of their design and craftsmanship. The founder members employed rigorous business practice along with cutting edge design, and constantly revaluated their techniques and materials. very modern ideas for the 1950's!
From this original membership of 9, the Guild now has a membership of over 50, and is a diverse group which has expanded its craft base to include designer makers creating ceramics, glassware, stained glass, glass engraving, gold and silver jewellery, silverware, textiles, millinery, leatherwork, book binding, furniture, and basket making.
We are a vibrant organisation, and the members constantly reassess their designs and work practices and look to embrace new technology while remaining true to the vision of the founding members, by maintaining excellence in the design and creation of their work.
Come and have a look at the members work at one of our shows, and see how our designs are up to date, and still reflect the ethos of our founding members.
Here's to the next 60 years!