Honouring Our Honorary Members
The Suffolk Craft Society is shaped by the talent, dedication, and generosity of its members and friends. Among this vibrant community are our Honorary Members - individuals who have gone above and beyond in their contributions to the Society. Whether through creative excellence, leadership, education, or tireless support, they have each played a unique role in the life of the Society and the wider craft community.
A graduate of the Royal College of Art, Holly creates distinctive jewellery in silver and gold, often incorporating semi-precious stones and beach pebbles. Her signature technique - reticulation - produces richly textured surfaces with organic patterns. Raised in Ipswich, Holly played an active role in the Society before relocating to Devon. Though no longer able to exhibit regularly, she remains a much-admired maker and contributor to the Society’s history.
Founders of Kiln Cottage Pottery (later Carters of Suffolk), Tony and Anita gained an international following for their imaginative and collectible teapots. Their work was stocked in Harrods and Bloomingdale’s, but their roots remained firmly in Suffolk. After Anita’s death in 2013, Tony was made an Honorary Member and has continued to offer business and mentoring support to emerging makers, drawing on decades of experience.
Eileen M Clarke
Eileen is known for her printmaking and bookbinding. Her work spans a wide variety of media and methods, often integrating hand-cut text with visual imagery in prints and books. She uses both oil- and water-based inks on plates made from wood, lino, metal, and alternative materials. Eileen’s work has been exhibited internationally, and her prints and books are held in many major collections. Eileen was a longstanding contributor to the Society before joining the Friends, from which she has only recently retired.
A founding member of the Society, John is an acclaimed ceramicist and Associate Lecturer at Central Saint Martins. His distinctive vessels - often asymmetrical and vividly glazed - combine traditional forms with bold design. As a maker and educator, John has played a central role in shaping the Society since its earliest days.
Former Vice Chair of the Society, Sally Freer creates expressive monoprints inspired by her watercolours and countryside walks in Suffolk and Essex. Her prints capture hedgerows, boats, paths, and landscapes transformed through colour and pattern. Her sensitive use of tone and mark-making evoke hidden churches, winding field paths, and the quiet atmosphere of coastal life.
Jean Fryer’s delicate textile panels are deeply rooted in the Suffolk landscape and coastline. Working with chiffons, silk gauzes, and machine embroidery, she layers fine fabrics to create subtle shifts in tone and colour—almost like watercolour on cloth. Some pieces include digitally printed fabrics and added text. Jean also creates jewellery in sterling silver, often combining silver with embroidered silk, felted fibres, and beads for richly textured pieces.
Known for her lively spirit and enthusiasm, Beryl is a ‘low temperature’ potter working in hand-built and thrown forms. She favours raku and in-glaze lustre, and draws inspiration from Romano-British ceramics found across Suffolk. A dedicated teacher and demonstrator, Beryl has run many community workshops and contributed tirelessly to Society events.
Originally trained as a printmaker, Pam turned to ceramics in 1985. Her work is distinctive and varied - ranging from sculptural vessels and jewellery to clocks and decorative tiles. Inspired by artefacts, armour, and ancient forms, Pam has exhibited widely across the UK and Europe. Her originality and commitment to her craft make her a standout figure in the Society’s history.
Ursula creates distinctive hand-built sculptural vessels, biscuit fired and then Raku fired or smoked. Her extensive travels in Greece, shaped by its culture, landscape, and architecture, deeply influence her visual language. These elements emerge in her work as birds, trees, skies, and land, formed through slips, pigments, and fire. A Goldsmiths School of Art graduate, her work is held in collections in New Zealand and Germany.
These honorary members represent the very best of the Society - skilled makers, generous mentors, and passionate advocates for the value of craft. We are proud to celebrate their ongoing legacy.
Join us
Excited by these opportunities and keen to join us? The Suffolk Craft Society thrives through the support of artists, makers, and heritage craft enthusiasts. Whether you are a skilled artisan looking to showcase your work or an admirer of fine craftsmanship, there are two fantastic ways to get involved; becoming a Member or joining as a Friend.
Membership: For Makers & Craft Professionals becoming a Suffolk Craft Society Member offers a wealth of opportunities:
Exhibit Your Work – Take part in our prestigious exhibitions held in iconic venues.
Promotion & Recognition – Gain exposure through our website, social media, and marketing.
Join a Respected Community – Be part of a network of skilled artisans who celebrate and support British craftsmanship.
Friends of Suffolk Craft Society: For Supporters & Enthusiasts , join as a Friend and enjoy exclusive benefits:
Discounts – Enjoy special offers on handcrafted pieces.
Newsletters – Stay informed with the latest society updates, artist features, and upcoming events.
Private View Invitations – Be among the first to see our exhibitions and meet the makers behind the work.
Your support, whether as a Member or a Friend, helps us continue our mission to celebrate, promote, and preserve fine craftsmanship in the Eastern region. Join us today and become part of a vibrant creative community.