Lost and endangered crafts in spotlight at new exhibition in Alnwick
Bailiffgate Museum in Alnwick is presenting a new exhibition exploring lost, endangered and heritage crats.
The exhibition brings together historic objects from the museum’s archives with work by talented makers and artisans from across the region.
Inspired by the Heritage Crafts Association’s listings of extinct, critically endangered and endangered crafts in the UK, the exhibition offers a fascinating insight into traditional skills, the stories behind them and their continuing relevance today.
The exhibition features a diverse range of traditional and specialist crafts, including stained glass, wood and stone carving, hand papermaking, basketry, horn carving, lace making, rag rugging and the making and repairing of bows for stringed instruments.
A programme of workshops and artisan demonstration days will accompany the exhibition.
It will also be a showcase for the work of several talented craftspeople whose practices connect Northumberland’s heritage with contemporary creativity: Luca Serra – Woodcarver; Anna Corbett – Basket Maker and Fibre Artist; Luke Batchelor – Stone Carver, Designer and Conservator; Lucy Baxandall – Hand Papermaker; Helen Grierson – Glass Artist; Richard Wilson – Bow Maker and Restorer; Thomas “Tucker” Thompson – Horn Carver; Monday Matters Rag Rug Group; and Northumbria Lace Makers.
Jean Humphrys, chair of Trustees said “It’s such a privilege to exhibit the skilful work of local makers and to have an opportunity to see how they build on the crafts of the past to keep our heritage alive. There was so much beauty in everyday objects because of the creativity of makers and much of that beauty is captured by the exquisite work of makers of today.”
The exhibition starts on November 3. Full details at www.bailiffgatemuseum.co.uk