Thursday, May 1st - Sunday, May 18th. Please note that the gallery is open to the public Thursday to Sunday only.
This May, we are thrilled to announce the opening of our highly anticipated first exhibition of 2025 at The Minories, Colchester’s oldest gallery. The exhibition promises to be a vibrant celebration of contemporary craftsmanship, featuring an eclectic and diverse collection of works by a remarkable range of talented artists. This will be our first showcase of the year, and we can’t wait to invite art lovers and craft enthusiasts to experience the stunning creations on display.
The exhibition will be a showcase of works from a variety of disciplines, including jewellery, glass, ceramics, textiles, bookbinding, leatherwork, woodwork, and printmaking. We are excited to feature the works of both established and new members of the Society, each bringing their own unique perspective and skill to the table.
Ceramics enthusiasts will be enthralled by the works of Susie Bruce, Cathy D'Arcy, Sheila Madder, Mary Wyatt, and Pam Schomberg.
Susie Bruce’s handbuilt porcelain pieces are a stunning exploration of the transformative nature of clay. Her work often includes gold lustre applied during a third firing, adding a touch of luxury to her delicate creations.
Cathy D’Arcy’s vibrant work, influenced by her childhood in East Africa, uses bold colours and designs that reflect her African roots.
Sheila Madder creates exquisite slip-cast coloured porcelain tableware inspired by the Slow Movement and Emotionally Durable Design. Her work is a beautiful blend of craftsmanship and philosophy, with each piece thoughtfully designed and meticulously decorated.
Pam Schomberg takes inspiration from ancient pots and artifacts, creating pieces that combine historical ceramics with contemporary design. Her work ranges from functional items like clocks and plates to intricate porcelain jewellery.
Mary Wyatt’s hand-built sculptures capture the fluidity of movement in human figures, seascapes, and animals. Currently experimenting with raku firings, Mary’s work explores shape, balance, and form in a truly unique way.
Next, we are delighted to present the work of two incredibly talented glass artists, Lynn Foster and Cathy Constable.
Lynn’s design style is abstract and asymmetrical, with influences from painting, sculpture, and architecture. Her work draws inspiration from mid-century modern and Japanese design, as well as artists such as Malevich and Nicholson. Lynn’s pieces are created by cutting glass sheets to form intricate collages, which are then fired in a kiln and enhanced with frits, powders, and glass confetti.
Cathy Constable captures the ethereal qualities of nature through her fused glass work. Influenced by the salt marshes, water channels, and mudflats of her surroundings, Cathy’s glass art reflects the ever-changing relationship between land and water. Her use of opaque and iridescent glass, along with enamels and frits, adds depth and complexity to each piece.
The exhibition also highlights the artistry of several talented textile artists, including Liz Chester, Chloe Scott, Jenny Nutbeam, and Valerie Jarvis.
Liz Chester’s woven art pieces are the result of meticulous planning and an intuitive approach to colour. Starting with sketches and photographs, Liz creates black-and-white cartoons which she then brings to life through weaving, often using cotton warp and incorporating knots to secure the weft.
Chloe Scott’s handwoven fabrics are a fusion of wool, cotton, and specialty yarns, with many warps hand-dyed to create distinct textures. Her work spans home décor, lifestyle items, and fine art pieces, each reflecting a passion for craftsmanship and design.
Inspired by the Suffolk coastline, Jenny Nutbeam creates beautifully dyed and painted scarves and jackets made from velvet, silk, and linen. With a focus on sustainability, Jenny’s work is a testament to the beauty of traditional Japanese textile techniques combined with an innovative, eco-conscious approach. Jenny is also joining us for Suffolk in the City as part of London Craft Week.
Finally, new member, Valerie Jarvis specializes in Locker Hooking, an intricate textile technique passed down through generations. Valerie’s rugs are not only functional but also deeply sustainable, as she repurposes materials like denim, velvet curtains, and old clothing to create textured, eco-friendly designs.
Printmaking will be strongly represented by Terry Bryan, Sally Freer, Annabel Ridley, and Helen Maxfield.
Terry Bryan creates stunning prints that combine graphic and visual concepts with photographic imagery, exploring landscapes, seascapes, and military history through his unique approach to solarplate etching and monotypes.
Sally Freer’s prints are a poetic exploration of the English countryside, capturing hedgerows, winding pathways, and hidden churches in intricate detail. Through the use of colour and pattern, Sally’s work reflects her fascination with the transformation of landscapes. Sally is also taking part in Suffolk in the City as part of London Craft Week.
Annabel Ridley’s prints are dynamic compositions that merge abstract and figurative elements, resulting in visually captivating works that explore structure and interaction.
Helen Maxfield, creates limited edition linocuts that celebrate the beauty of the countryside and coastline. Her work is rooted in her deep connection to the landscape, and each print is an homage to the natural world. Helen will also be exhibiting at Suffolk in the City as part of London Craft Week.
We are pleased to welcome two established jewellers to the exhibition. Alison Dane is renowned for her unique and lightweight designs that bring vibrant colour and elegance to any ensemble. Her creations are not only stylish but also versatile, perfect for both casual and formal occasions. Alison uses various printing techniques such as mono printing, sponging, and staining to create one-of-a-kind pieces that are bound to captivate.
Joining Alison is Diane Levitt, whose jewellery is inspired by the beauty of nature. Diane incorporates enamels, stones, and glass to add layers of colour and texture to her work. Her designs are deeply influenced by the shapes and lines found in the natural world, resulting in pieces that are both organic and timeless.
Rounding out the exhibition are Paul Garcia, Raeleen Gladwell, and Nicholas Rowe, who bring their mastery of bookbinding, leatherwork, and woodwork to The Minories.
Paul Garcia creates beautiful, traditionally bound books, hand-sewn with linen thread and adorned with intricate edge decorations and gold or blind tooling. His work is a celebration of craftsmanship and the timeless art of bookbinding. Paul is also joining us at Suffolk in the City as part of London Craft Week.
Raeleen Gladwell, a skilled leatherworker, combines traditional techniques with contemporary designs to create functional, heirloom-quality leather bags and accessories. Raeleen has recently started marbling leather, adding a unique flair to her already exceptional creations.
Finally, new Society member Nicholas Rowe, a master woodturner, creates beautiful pieces that highlight the natural beauty of wood. Each piece is crafted from locally sourced, reclaimed wood, and Nicholas’s attention to detail ensures that the character of the wood is preserved and celebrated.
We invite you to join us at The Minories for this exciting exhibition, where you can explore the exceptional talent of these remarkable artists. Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a craft enthusiast, or someone new to the world of handmade artistry, this exhibition promises something for everyone.
The Minories, 74 High Street, Colchester CO1 1UE
Thursday, May 1st - Sunday, May 18th. Please note that the gallery is open to the public Thursday to Sunday only.
Our exhibitions celebrate the extraordinary craftsmanship of Suffolk Craft Society makers, showcasing intricate details, time-honored skills, and innovative designs. With dynamic, ever-evolving displays set in iconic venues, each showcase promises a fresh, inspiring, and immersive experience.
If you're unable to attend an exhibition in person don’t forget you can support talented local artisans through our online shop >>>