Farewell to our Chair, Juliet Bowmaker
Juliet Bowmaker joined the Society as Chair in 2022 and has since worked with unwavering dedication. Here, Vice Chair Liz Chester and Past Secretary Sarah Woodcock reflect on her tenure, highlighting all she has achieved through quiet diplomacy and steadfast determination.
We first met Juliet at an interview with the Committee in March 2022.
We had been delighted to have two strong candidates, but ultimately chose Juliet, a quietly spoken, clearly capable former gallery owner. My first impression was of someone exceptionally skilled with people, and that impression only deepened over the years we worked together. She later told us that, despite our best efforts to make the meeting feel relaxed, we still managed to make it rather intimidating, something she handled with her characteristic calm and composure.
Juliet has approached every challenge with care and thoughtfulness, always maintaining a respectful and considerate manner. The ability to remain diplomatic while still achieving meaningful results is a rare and valuable quality, and one she consistently demonstrated.
Having someone from outside the Society in the role of Chair has been invaluable. Juliet brought a fresh perspective, free from prior bias, and an ability to mediate with fairness and clarity.
She also brought with her a strong sense of ambition and determination to raise the profile of the Suffolk Craft Society beyond the county. Her belief in the quality of members’ work, combined with her talent for communication and building relationships, opened the door to a range of exciting opportunities and collaborations.
Thanks to Juliet’s initiative, we made our first venture into London with Made London, soon followed by London Craft Week early last year.
Juliet’s connections at London Craft Week also led to a collaboration with the Society of Designer Craftsmen, bringing makers from both organisations together in a shared creative project, the results of which will be unveiled later this year.
She also re-established our connection with Snape Maltings. The Society first exhibited there in 1971 before moving to Aldeburgh in the late 1970s, and after a gap of nearly fifty years, it was a great pleasure to return this year with a new exhibition.
Several members have credited these opportunities with leading to further prestigious invitations, reflecting the wider impact of Juliet’s work.
Our ventures into London’s major craft events were made possible not only through Juliet’s own contacts, but also through the strong relationship she fostered with the Society’s Patron, Trevor Pickett.
It is hard to imagine that relationship flourishing in quite the same way without her and we look forward to returning to Pickett London during London Craft week again this May.
Juliet has given an enormous amount of her time and energy to supporting the Society and its members, and we are all deeply grateful for her contribution. On a personal note, I have greatly appreciated her support and the steady professionalism she brought to everything she undertook.
We are also thankful to Juliet for welcoming us into her home on several occasions for both social gatherings and meetings, and to James, her husband, for his patience and support throughout the many commitments that came with Juliet’s role.
A Farewell Message from Juliet Bowmaker
Four years ago, I returned to live permanently in my beloved Suffolk. Around the same time, I had the great honour of being appointed Chair of Suffolk Craft Society. As my term comes to an end, I have been reflecting on the remarkable journey we have shared since I was elected in May 2022.
The years since have been a period of change, growth and renewal for the Society that have been both fascinating and rewarding.
Together, we have navigated challenges and embraced new opportunities. We have adapted to the loss of established exhibition venues, explored new possibilities and secured welcoming new homes for our exhibitions. We have strengthened our profile, refreshed our marketing and communications, and modernised our IT systems to better support the Society's work.
We have developed a strong partnership with the National Trust and deepened our longstanding relationship with Britten Pears Arts. We celebrated our heritage through the installation of the Curlew Bench, commemorating the Society's inauguration 56 years ago. We have expanded our reach through participation in prestigious events such as MADE London and London Craft Week, and launched Crossing Crafts in collaboration with the Society of Designer Craftsmen. We have also strengthened our relationship with our Patron, Trevor Pickett, while continuing to attract and support makers of exceptional talent, creativity and craftsmanship.
These achievements reflect the dedication, generosity and enthusiasm of our Members, volunteers and supporters. Throughout my time as Chair, I have been continually inspired by the quality of work produced by our makers and by the commitment of those who work behind the scenes to ensure the Society continues to flourish.
The work of Suffolk Craft Society is more important than ever. As the needs of the making community continue to evolve, we must remain responsive, resilient and ambitious, ensuring the long-term stability and success of the organisation in uncertain times.
From the 1st June, Liz Chester will take on the role of Acting Chair until the 2026 AGM, or until a new Chair is appointed. I hand over to Liz with complete confidence and optimism for the future. Our programme for 2026 is already in place, and there are exciting opportunities ahead as the Society continues to grow and develop.
To our Committee, Patron, Members, Honorary Members, Friends and supporters, I offer my heartfelt thanks. Thank you for the trust you placed in me, and for the encouragement, friendship and support you have shown throughout my time as Chair.
It has been a genuine privilege to serve Suffolk Craft Society. I leave the role with immense pride in all that we have achieved together, gratitude for the many people I have had the pleasure of working alongside, and an enduring commitment to the Society's mission. While I may be stepping down as Chair, I will always remain part of this wonderful community, cheering from the sidelines and celebrating its continued success.
With my warmest thanks and very best wishes,
Juliet Bowmaker
We extend our deepest thanks to Juliet for her exceptional leadership, dedication and vision over the past four years, and wish her every happiness and success in the years ahead as we continue to celebrate her many achievements.