Support independent artists as the Manchester Craft and Design Centre reopens

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Manchester Craft and Design Centre

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.

Manchester Craft and Design Centre

Although Manchester Craft and Design Centre is home to various different crafters.

Listed below are just a few worth checking out.

Jewellery

Manchester Craft and Design Centre

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

Manchester Craft and Design Centre

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

Manchester Craft and Design Centre

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

Manchester Craft and Design Centre

Glass

Manchester Craft and Design Centre

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

Manchester Craft and Design Centre

&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

Manchester Craft and Design Centre

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

Manchester Craft and Design Centre

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.