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SHROPSHIRE’S ‘GORGEOUS’; THE COUNTIES BIGGEST AND MOST PRESTIGEOUS CONTEMPORARY CRAFT FAIR
Added: (Wed Aug 27 2008)
The Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust and The Shropshire Guild of Contemporary Craft are, for the fourth year, bringing together some of the West Midlands finest craftsmen and women for the Guild’s prestigious annual flagship exhibition, ‘Gorgeous’, over the weekend of November 29th and 30th.
The exhibition will be held at Enginuity, Coalbrookdale, Ironbridge and for the first time this year, the makers will be joined by many of the region’s top food and drink producers in association with Heart of England Fine Foods (HEFF).
Visitors to the ‘Gorgeous’ Contemporary Craft and Fine Food Fair will be able to view and buy original craft work of the highest quality as well as meet the designer makers. Visitors to ‘Gorgeous’ can even commission their own unique items. At the same time, they will be able to sample and purchase delicacies from local producers.
This remarkable selling exhibition of inspirational craftwork and gourmet produce will be held in the Engine Room at Enginuity, the Ironbridge Gorge’s fascinating interactive design and technology centre.
‘Gorgeous’ will showcase a wide selection of quality, contemporary work by around thirty-five Guild members and guests including ceramics, furniture, glass, jewellery, textiles and much more. Exhibitors have been carefully selected to ensure there is a diverse range of products with both affordable and higher priced items across a range of disciplines; every item on display will reflect the high level of craftsmanship and design demanded by today’s discerning market.
Shropshire Guild members showing include metal designer Julie Grose. The youngest member of the group, Julie works from her forge near Broseley creating contemporary, organic and imaginative sculpted pieces for the home and garden, inspired by geometric shapes and natural forms (www.juliegrosemetaldesign.co.uk). Julie told us “Gorgeous is the biggest show of the year for many members of The Guild. It is a vibrant, wonderfully creative event, and for me, displaying my work alongside likeminded designer-makers is really exciting”.
Also based in Shropshire, Ted Bruce is celebrating ten years of basket making. Working with English willow, some of which he grows himself, Ted uses traditional techniques to make strong and attractive, yet functional baskets (www.tedbrucebaskets.co.uk).
Recently elected chairman of the Guild, potter Ralph Jandrell works in the picturesque Ironbridge Gorge. He designs and makes a unique range of quality ceramics in his studio at the Coalport China Museum continuing the tradition of ceramic excellence established there over many years (www.ralphjandrell.co.uk) Ralph said “every year, The Shropshire Guild of Contemporary Craft with guests organise a unique creative selling exhibition featuring the most talented designer makers from Shropshire and the West Midlands. Gorgeous is the biggest contemporary craft event in the region of its kind – and this year, we have over 35 designer makers exhibiting their exclusive wares.”
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Exhibiting alongside Shropshire Guild members are many designer makers from the West Midlands region, including Stephanie Kemp, from Knighton, Powys who owns the Designer Weaving Company. http://www.designerweavingco.co.uk/
Stephanie, who not only weaves her own fabrics from natural yarns but also designs and tailors all of her garments told us “last year was my first ‘Gorgeous’ and it was excellent. A lot of really good quality makers all showing their products in a wonderful setting”.
Also exhibiting at ‘Gorgeous’ is Derbyshire jeweller Lucy Palmer.
Lucy, from Ashborne in Derbyshire creates distinctive jewellery inspired by myths, fairytales, folk lore, childhood memories and the natural world. http://www.lucypalmerjewellery.co.uk/
Lucy said “I am fascinated by stories of all kinds from ancient myths and legends to children’s tales. I often use narratives in my work, inviting the viewer to recall a favourite story, or perhaps to make up their own. Jewellery has long been surrounded by tales of magical powers and mythical wonders, from golden necklaces that enchant the wearer and bewitch others, to rings which possess great power.”
Founded in 2001 the Shropshire Guild of Contemporary Craft helps to promote the professional designer and maker through exhibitions and events; with members drawn from across Shropshire the guild has gone from strength to strength.
Entrance to Gorgeous is £2.50 per person and free for children under 12 (this does not include entrance to Enginuity). It will be open from 10am to 5pm both days.