Support independent artists as the Manchester Craft and Design Centre reopens
The Manchester Craft and Design Centre is reopening its doors every Friday and Saturday throughout August.
A Victorian fish and poultry market once-upon-a-time, the Northern Quarter venue is now home to an astounding craft centre filled with studios and shops – showcasing some of the region’s most talented makers.
Not only is everything crafted on site with a personalised and hands-on approach, but you can also meet the makers (at a social distance, of course), hearing about their processes and inspiration when creating each piece.
As the director, Kate Day, rightly put it, “there’s nothing quite like seeing handmade work in the flesh and meeting the talented individuals that have created it” – and this is the perfect opportunity to support some local makers whilst also having a great day out in Manchester.
Although Manchester Craft and Design Centre is home to various different crafters.
Listed below are just a few worth checking out.
Jewellery
Amy Wilkinson Jewellery – with its baroque-inspirations, Amy creates contemporary handmade necklaces, rings and earrings by creating intricate patterns and shapes with wire
Charlotte Verity – these abstract pieces are all inspired by the presence and absence of light, combining precious metals, faceted stones and handmade glass elements in these gorgeous items
Clare Hillerby – Clare’s nostalgic pieces combine peoples’ old ephemera (often maps, stamps and postcards) with handmade elements to create deeply sentimental items
Colette Hazelwood Jewellery – working in a variety of silver, gold and platinum, Colette’s jewellery is perfect for anyone looking for something individual, and her clients can provide the inspiration behind it
Divinity by Eve Redmond – Eve creates a variety of unique, abstract pieces, whether you’re looking for something dainty or making a statement, and her consumption by jewellery is clear as these items trace many details and events of her life
RA Designer Jewellery – the creator of the iconic ‘marry me ring’, Anne’s speciality is creating stunning engagement and wedding jewellery that is unique to each customer
Tracey Birchwood – combining jewellery with ceramics, this contemporary jewellery collection largely focuses on the natural world as an inspiration for its dainty pieces.
Ceramics
Cragg Jones Ceramics – Nicky and Sue have collaborated to create a collection of Scandinavian-esque pots, mugs, planters and other items that are both functional and lovely to look at
Katherine Lees Ceramics – these porcelain planters, vases and other ornaments are one of a kind, balancing her inspiration from the Victorian ‘cabinets of curiosity’ and love of animals
Lee Page Hanson Ceramics – from crockery to vases and everything in between, these vibrant ceramic creations are largely inspired by 20th century modernism and geometric patterns
Linzi Ramsden Ceramics – inspired by Linzi’s repetitive folding of her baby’s clothes, her new collection ‘Origami’ contains delicate ceramic ornaments and wall art made from porcelain clay
Glass
Gemma Truman Glass – there is no absence of colour in these vibrant glass ornaments and gifts, a lot of which is inspired by Gemma’s love of nature and travel
Helen Tiffany Glass – Helen specialises in kiln formed glass, combining this with recycled and reclaimed materials to make simple yet effective glassware
Michelle Keeling Glass – initially inspired by climbing a glacier in New Zealand, Michelle has used metal leaf to replicate the patterns she experienced within the ice in her glass wall panels, accessories and ornaments
Textiles
&made – Andrea Lord is creating a versatile range of gifts and home wares with a modern and fun twist, whether that is her adorable cactus pin cushions or bobble-hat tea cosies
Jane Blease – through her intricate and delicate embroidery, Jane is making elegant artwork, lighting and accessories that have a more contemporary feel to them
Laura Fray Bespoke – this selection of handmade bridal wear puts a unique spin on classic dresses, and is the perfect choice for something to wear on your special day
Paintings and Print
Fibre – by using an acrylic mix pouring technique, Jessica’s artwork perfectly captures the flow and movement of the sea. She also offers handmade embroidered cards and gifts perfect for any occasion
Fir + Wren at Holm – these illustrative designs are simplistic yet don’t fail to draw attention, and many have been translated into cards, cushions and brooches
Ink Inc – the illustrative duo, Laura and Jess, are creating a range of cards and prints from their incredibly detailed ink illustrations, from quirky characters to more poignant pieces
Kaper – Kate’s paper sculptures are outstanding and incredibly intricate, recreating woodland scenes and birds by hand that are a perfect centrepiece for any occasion
Make sure you head on down to delve behind the scenes of these handmade gems whilst picking up some gorgeous pieces for yourself!
The Manchester Craft and Design Centre is open 11am to 5pm every Friday and Saturday throughout August.
Learn more by visiting their website.