Cotswold Craftsmen Exhibition

13 to 21 October – A rare collection of historic and contemporary crafts from the Cotswolds are going on display at the unique Cotswold Craftsmen exhibition, being held at Prinknash Abbey in October.

The Cotswolds have played home to a long line of fine craftsmen over the centuries. To mark the area’s rich arts and crafts heritage, and celebrate the contemporary work of local craftsmen, a unique exhibition entitled Cotswold Craftsmen is being held at Prinknash Abbey’s auction rooms.

While the collection of more than 140 examples of work in the Cotswold arts and crafts tradition won’t be going under the hammer, the loan exhibition organised by the Stroud Valleys Craftsmen and Simon Chorley Art & Antiques, will give visitors a rare opportunity to see the work of the movement’s pioneers alongside items from some of today’s finest local craftsmen.

The exhibition will show examples of historic work by the Cotswold group, mainly from private collections, including an Ernest Gimson Cabinet, a hand mirror by Peter Waals, a William Simmonds carving of a calf, metalwork by Norman Bucknell, textiles by Rita Beales and Barron & Larcher, ceramics decorated by Louise and Alfred Powell, and stained glass and paintings by Edward Payne.

The work of these forerunners continues to influence design today and the exhibition also has items by contemporary makers in the arts and crafts tradition including a table by Nigel Wilson, carvings by Pat Conoley, silk scarves and jewellery by Jean French, a bookbinding display by Anne Weare, table and chairs by Paul Spriggs and furniture and metalwork by Christopher Vickers.

The unique chance to see these exquisite examples of the Cotswolds’ finest craftsmanship, from 1894 to the present day, is one not to be missed.

Event: Cotswold Craftsmen Exhibition
Venue: The auction rooms at Prinknash Abbey
Dates: Saturday 13 to Sunday 21 October 2007
Times: From 10am until 4pm daily
Tickets: Admission costs £4 on the door in aid of St John Ambulance

SoGlos.com
9 September 2007