Ickworth Exhibition 2026
28th August - 20th September
Sarah Woodcock is very pleased to confirm the dates for the show this summer and to invite expressions of interest in new opportunities to work with the National Trust. Full information about how to participate in the show this year will follow later, but Sarah wanted to share the dates now for your diaries and to ask for initial interest in the opportunities outlined below.
If you could let Sarah know in the first instance whether you are interested in showing outdoors in the garden or within the main house by 16th February, she will then put you in touch with the appropriate contacts at the National Trust.
National Trust Theme this year is “Collections” (more information to follow later)
We will be showcasing a number of the SCS /Society of Designer Craftsmen (SDC) “Crossing Crafts” Project pieces, and SDC members will be invited to the preview.
Show Dates
16th February - Expression of interest in exhibiting work in House or Garden (see below for details)
23rd August - Delivery of work (no later please we will be sticking to the dates this year)
Friday 28th August - Preview opening
Saturday 29th August - Public opening
Sunday 20th September - Last day of show
Monday 21st September - Collection of work
Opportunities
Outdoor exhibition in the Italianate garden
The National Trust are looking for at least 8 outdoor pieces to display in the Italianate Garden near the Orangery Terrace for a public Art trail/display for the duration of the show, with setup/delivery the week before our delivery date. If this is something you are interested in and can deliver in time for the show, please contact Sarah by February 16th.
Collaborative display within the main house.
The National Trust Team would like to work with a number of makers to respond to specific rooms and collections within the house and display work within the house for the duration of the show. This would start with onsite meetings in early March to look at the interiors and collections together and create ideas and designs with a delivery time in the week before the delivery date in August. If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact Sarah by February 16th.
Possible delivery of courses based at Lavenham Guildhall.
The National Trust are interested in individual SCS makers running craft courses/ demonstrations at Lavenham Guildhall, next year - 2027, with a focus on Textiles/cloth in keeping with the significance of Lavenham as an important medieval cloth town, but also very much open to other disciplines too. If this is something you’re interested in, please contact Sarah directly.
Please note that there is a £15 hanging fee which can be paid on the Zettle on handing in day. If you are asking someone else to bring your work, please supply them with £15 on your behalf.