The Somerset Guild of Craftsmen

Following on from yesterdays exploration of the Willow Craft in Somerset I came across The Somerset Guild of Craftsmen. The Guild was founded in 1933 and embraced a range of crafts: in 1949 The Guild included builders, plumbers, photographers, an organ builder, potters, engravers, thatchers, weavers, blacksmiths and stonemasons. There were stained glass makers, and workers in wood and leather. Today, some of these old crafts are considered to be trades but the current craft list still covers many of the above and includes furniture restoration, fabric design, stained glass, calligraphy, embroidery, silk painting, glass blowing, jewellery and musical instruments.

All Guild members makers are skilled, dedicated craftsmen and women who have undergone strict selection to become a craft Guild member. Situated in the ancient heart of Somerset, the Guild has a membership of over a hundred and seventy members.
The Guild's Gallery, the Courthouse at Somerton, is open Mon - Sat showcasing and selling members' work. With up to as sixty members exhibiting work, the range of skills displayed in the Guild's gallery is very diverse. Many makers use traditional techniques to create contemporary work ranging from pottery, glass, metalwork and wood through to furniture and textiles. I have made a note to make a visit this summer! For further information visit:

http://www.somersetguild.co.uk