Shropshire Guild of contemporary craft

The Shropshire Guild of Contemporary Craft will be 'Showing Off' again, this October with their annual craft show.

This Shropshire Council supported event called 'Showing Off' will be held at Ludlow's Harley Centre over the weekend of 23rd and 24^th of October.

'Showing Off' incorporates not only designer makers from the Shropshire Guild, but also the Worcestershire Guild of Designer Craftsmen and guest designer makers.

Caroline Bennett, Shropshire Guild member and organiser of  'Showing Off' said "the event promises to offer a vibrant and exciting array of items made by talented designer makers not only from Shropshire but also from Worcestershire". Caroline continued "we not only have a great selection of designer makers exhibiting at this free event, but we will also be having demonstrations over the whole weekend".

Sculptor and ceramicist Caroline, who works from her studio near Bridgnorth, creates hand built and slip cast vessels as well as figurative sculptures. Caroline said " 'Showing Off' is a great opportunity to really show-off what we have all been making and creating throughout the year".

Caroline, who is also demonstrating at this year's event, said "I will be showing people the coil building technique using stoneware clay to create pieces for the garden or for the home".

Caroline continued "having a demonstration area alongside the stand is nice and informal for me and the visitor. Sometimes people can feel a bit intimidated and not ask questions in certain situations but within a small group around a table they may feel more relaxed.  I hope they come away with a bit more insight into the processes that I work with".

Bewdey based Jeweller and Worcestershire Guild of Designer Craftsmen member, Joceyln Perry said "ever since I first did the show, I've always enjoyed it for the same reasons. The atmosphere is calm, unhurried and always welcoming"

Jocelyn who creates beadwork jewellery continued "people who visit the show are appreciative of handcrafted work, and I have quite a few faithful customers in the Ludlow area".

Jocelyn uses tiny cylindrical glass beads and employs a needle weaving technique to create her art deco inspired jewellery and also brings to her work a subtle use of colour and texture that gives her jewellery its distinctive signature.

Another demonstrator at 'Showing Off' this year is Shropshire Guild member and basket maker Ted Bruce, from Ellesmere."

Ted has been making baskets since 1998, and said "I was initially self taught but studied with some of the best basket makers in Britain." He continued "I am inspired by the beautiful Shropshire countryside in which I have lived and worked for 20 years, I now work with English willow, some of which I grow myself, to make strong attractive functional baskets for a wide variety of domestic and garden situations."

Another jeweller, Judith Price, also from the Worcestershire Guild said "Ludlow is a great venue with very appreciative visitors, The Shropshire Guild are a friendly and a well organised group to work with."

Judith, who makes silver and 18 carat gold jewellery continued " 'Showing Off' has built on its strengths over the years, from a small start to a substantial show and it has been rewarding to be a part of this."

Judith's inspiration comes from her garden and the surrounding countryside and the designs reflect the plant forms and textures that she sees around her.

Chair of the Shropshire Guild of Contemporary Craft Sophie Eades said " 'Showing Off' is a wonderful event incorporating members from Shropshire Guild, the Worcestershire Guild of Designer Craftsmen and guest designer makers."

Sophie continued "The absolute highest of quality crafts and this year, not only a great diversity of designer makers including: jewellery, bookbinding, leatherwork, furniture, glass and batik, but also a weekend of demonstrations".

'Showing Off' is open from 10am – 5pm on Saturday and 10am – 4pm on Sunday, admission is free.