Hereford Contemporary Craft Fair helps young artists to blossom (From Hereford Times)

Hereford Contemporary Craft Fair helps young artists to blossom

7:00am Wednesday 11th November 2009 in

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EVERY year, Hereford Contemporary Craft Fair puts a first-time exhibitor based in Hereford in the spotlight with its New Exhibitor Award.

This year, that accolade has been given to Stuart Houghton, who has recently returned to his pottery after a career in manufacturing. Stuart specialises in uncomplicated designs, creating useful yet sophisticated pots that can go straight from the oven to the table.

Commenting on his experience as last year’s new exhibitor, designer blacksmith Ambrose Burne, from Lyonshall, said: “It was really positive, a great show and I’ve had two commissions and a sale as a direct result.”

He found it so positive, in fact, that he’s back again this year, showing his distinctive forged metalwork sculptures.

Two other Herefordshire makers exhibiting for the first time are jewellers Annie Cracknell and Leoma Drew, whose work can be seen on the Alloy Graduate exhibitor stand, sponsored for a fourth consecutive year by the Mike Gell Gallery.

Now in its 16th year, the fair, organised by Herefordshire Council’s arts team, is recognised as an important regional design showcase for established makers as well as the new generation of makers. It will be opened by Rosy Greenlees, executive director of the Crafts Council.    Featuring 58 makers of contemporary craft from around the UK, the fair is an essential destination for all lovers of modern design.  This year’s stunning range of high-quality work includes ceramics, glass, jewellery, furniture, metalwork, stonecarving, basketry, lighting, clothing, bags, quirky accessories and decorative homeware.  With all the makers on hand, the fair offers a great opportunity for visitors to talk to them about techniques and inspiration, to commission a unique piece of work or just browse and admire the wealth of creative talent on display.

Several of this year’s exhibitors will be fresh from the major London craft fair, Origin, among them jeweller Jane Moore from Warwickshire, Carmarthenshire potters James and Tilla Waters and the award-winning luxury textile designer from London, Margo Selby.

Jane is a first-time exhibitor and, in another first, is one half of a mother-and-son duo exhibiting. Jane has been designing and making jewellery for more than 30 years, renowned for her enamelled work, while her son works in anodised aluminium to create vivid, exciting cutting edge forms in his jewellery. He will be showing his new Vane collection.

James and Tilla are making a welcome return and in their own words ‘make pots to be used’. They throw fine stoneware and porcelain vessels with lined surface decoration and subtle colouring.  Margo is another familiar face and creates high-quality woven textiles with bold colours and designs. She applies her trademark fabrics to a variety of products, including scarves, bags, interior accessories and gifts.

Visitors who complete a questionnaire will be eligible for the free prize draw for £50 to spend with the exhibitor of their choice. They can also vote for their favourite item in the show in the Best Product Award, which is jointly sponsored by the Friends of Herefordshire Museums and Arts and Herefordshire Council.  Admission is £2.50, the fair is open on Friday and Saturday, November 13 and 14, from 10am to 6pm, and on Sunday, November 15, from 10am to 5pm.  Get a sneak preview of the catalogue by visiting h-craftfair.co.uk.