2020 is a significant year for the Suffolk Craft Society as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary
From its foundation in 1970, The Society’s objective of promoting excellence in designer craft-making and supporting the work of Suffolk based and affiliated craft-makers has been constant. Initially a small group of ceramicists led the way in the formation od the SCS and under its first Chairman, Commander John Jacob, the Society met at Snape Maltings. John Chipperfield the veteran and much-admired ceramicist, was a founder member and still exhibits as an Honorary Member.
Over the years several hundred talented makers across a whole range of craft disciplines have been elected to membership. Many have gone on to forge successful careers in their field.
If you care about nurturing and supporting great craft skills, please consider becoming a Friend in our Anniversary Year, or get in touch if you are interested in becoming a maker in the society.
The Suffolk Craft Society wants to share with our many followers.
Following the Governments pronouncements we have cancelled our Spring Show at the Guildhall in Bury St Edmunds in April.
Although 40 talented and creative designer makers might have lost an opportunity to show off our wide range of desirable pieces to the many visitors who usually come to see our shows, however we have now gained something rather special..........
Time
Time to develop new ideas
Time to explore familiar materials in new ways
Time to combine different materials
Time to work on a larger or smaller scale
Time to get out of a rut and start anew
Time to plan a whole new body of work
The possibilities are endless.......
Our Makers will continue to produce remarkable and original works and their contact details for sales or commissions can be found on profile pages of this website, found here.
We hope you all keep safe and well, our very best to all our friends, members and followers. We are hoping our much-loved Summer Exhibition in Aldeburgh will be able to go ahead. Further details of this and other Anniversary plans will be available soon.
You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram for regular showcasing of our makers' inspiring work and for new SCS events and developments.
Reaching 50 with an
Artistic Flourish
The Bury and West Suffolk magazine has featured an in depth article about the formation of the Society in their April edition. Read about makers from West Suffolk, some of our award winning members, up and coming young craftspeople and how to join the Society.
Liaison with the College Design Scholars Programme
Suffolk Craft Society Makers have recently been welcoming students from Framlingham College to their studios as one of the events marking the SCS 50th anniversary. The students are currently on the College Design Scholars Programme.
The aims of this educational outreach to students are:
To inspire and offer a portfolio enhancing experience
To help understanding of the design and craft processes
To give an insight into production and selling
Makers visited so far are Danielle Hopkinson of The Stained Glass Studio in Ipswich and Clare Gaylard who works molten glass in a converted barn in Earl Soham. Visits to Annette Rolston and Mike Fenton who work in print at Designer Makers 21 in Diss and Ruth Holt who uses traditional weaving methods in her Halesworth studio have had to be postponed but will hopefully be able to take place later this year.
