Summer exhibition shows why Materials Matter

The annual summer exhibition is an important one for Members of the local craft Guild, as it is an opportunity to show new work together as a group. This year they will also tell us why they chose to use their particular raw material – whether clay, textiles, wood or metal – so we are given an extra insight into the craftmaker’s life and work.

There has been a summer show every year since 1955 when the Devon Guild began in and there were only 8 Members to choose from. There is now a membership of 230 craftspeople from the South West – a large community who work in very diverse materials.

This prompted curator Saffron Wynne, to focus this year’s theme on the many and unusual results produced from a fairly simple and traditional range of raw materials, for example makers may mix old paper with enamel (fired glass) or fabric with clay – creating unusual and contemporary designs.

The exhibits, once selected, will be displayed with personal statements, information panels and samples of raw materials such as glass grit or 'frit' and even the cowhorn used to make jewellery. Visitors will find out why each maker chose their medium to work in: they might live near where willow grows, spin the wool from their own sheep, or have come to woodcarving after a career as a tree surgeon. This exhibition will give a unique insight into craftspeople, their work and why Materials Matter so much to them.

The Summer Craft Exhibition runs until 7 September. The Devon Guild is free to enter, open seven days a week 10am - 5.30pm throughout the year

Go to website for info: http://www.crafts.org.uk

Devon Guild of Craftsmen, Riverside Mill, Bovey Tracey, Devon, TQ13 9AF
01626 832223