Hereford Contemporary Craft Fair

Today saw the opening of the 22nd Hereford Contemporary Craft Fair, a firm favourite with many. The fair takes place from 13th to 15th November 2015, just in time for Christmas, and offers visitors a unique opportunity to meet, commission and buy direct from the best of Britain’s makers.

Held at The Courtyard, the show offers design makers a chance to raise their profile within an elite grouping of makers, as well as the opportunity to sell the best of their work and take on Christmas commissions. Meeting up with old friends and networking with creative businesses and gallery owners on the hunt for fresh talent are additional major benefits to exhibiting artists/makers.

HCA Business was delighted to pop along this morning and catch up with some of the stand holders who were also College Alumni. Lucy Baxendale, whose work is pictured above, was also exhibiting at the Hatch Exhibition on Church Street, Hereford so has had a busy time preparing for both.

We also caught up with Jewels Williams, a BA (Hons) Contemporary Design Craft Graduate, whose work is inspired by being by the sea. Jewels stand was a delight decorated with plants, lights, stars and some adorable ceramic robins perfect for Christmas.

(Pictured – Jewels Williams)

Also present was Ben Esthop, from Esthop.com, another Contemporary Design Craft Graduate who told us he was also exhibiting at Handmade in Britain in Chelsea this weekend. Ben uses classic hardwoods with the dynamic of synthetics to create the most exquisite bowls, rich in colour and we felt a sort after addition for many homes.

(Pictured – Bowls by Ben Esthop)

Showing for the first time were Summer 2015 HCA Graduates Amelia Strong and Rose Grant, who were also recipients of the Fair’s, Alloy Graduate Award sponsored by local jeweller Mike Gell.

(Pictured – Work by Amelia Strong)

As we left to go upstairs to explore further, we were delighted to spot, New Exhibitor Award winner and College Short Course Tutor, Harriet Stiles. Having recently joined the Short Course Programme, Harriet has proved a hit with students, teaching our sewing course to which she brings some of her talent for embroidery design.

(Pictured – Harriet Stiles)

Our final stop was the first floor and our current Extended Diploma Art & Design Year 2 students. They were joining in for one day only with their Affordable Arts Fair. Their hardwork and professionalism was evident and obvious that for many their own stand, at fairs such as this, was something to look out for in future years!

(Pictured – Work from the Affordable Arts Fair)

#Neverboredintheford