Ickworth Exhibition 2026
28th August - 20th September
All makers are warmly invited to express their interest in exhibiting at the main show at NT Ickworth this Summer.
The National Trust's theme this year is 'Collections'. You are welcome to work with this, but it is not compulsory. Please find attached a link to the NT Collections at Ickworth. and additional pamphlets 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
This year's show will also include pieces from the Crossing Crafts collaboration project with the Society of Designer Craftsmen (SCS Makers taking part in the Crossing Crafts collaboration will receive additional exhibiting instructions in June/July).
Please email Sarah Woodcock - sarahwoodcock100@gmail.com (Ickworth Show Organiser) if you would like to participate in the main Ickworth Show by Friday 31st July 2026, including (if possible) details of what you intend to exhibit this year plus any photos that the Society can use for publicising the show.
Rota for this years exhibition is available here. Each participant needs to volunteer for a minimum of two days during the exhibition plus a third date for emergency cover (which must be kept free). Please email Pat Todd - offpat4@gmail.com with your dates, if your availability is limited, we recommend selecting dates that fit your diary as early as possible to ensure you can fulfil your volunteering commitment
Key Dates
Expression of Interest: Sunday 31st May
Submit entry form: Sunday 16 August
Delivery of work: Sunday 23 August, 8:30am - 2pm (ideally before 10 am to avoid the public)
Preview: Friday 28 August (time tbc)
Public Opening: Saturday 29 August - Sunday 20 September
Pick up Monday 21 September. 10am - 2pm.
Please use the following to promote the exhibtion in person and online:
Following feedback received from the 2025 Ickworth Show and to ensure all makers have an equal opportunity to exhibit, every Maker will be limited to 15 pieces - five of your 15 items can be multiples of up to ten smaller items for the shop area (such as cups, bud vases)
We will endeavour to exhibit a minimum of 3 items from each maker (excluding jewellers where we will try to give each maker at least half a vitrine), but this is subject to change depending on size of items and how many makers wish to take part. Please also note the following:
Printer makers: can submit up to 5 framed prints plus 10 mounted prints for sale in the shared browsers.
Jewellers: all jewellery will be exhibited in the Society's vitrines. Due to insurance limitations, jewellers may be limited to the value of items they bring. We will liaise directly with jewellers regarding stock values.
Cards: In addition to the 15 pieces, makers can bring up to 50 cards (but list as 1 item/price on your exhibition entry form).
Please complete your Exhibition Entry Form and email a copy to Secretary@suffolkcraftsociety.org by Sunday 16 August 2026 to enable your items to be uploaded to the payment system. Please also bring two printed copies of your Exhibition Entry Form with your work on the delivery day (Sunday 23 August). If you do not have access to a printer please let us know.
All exhibitors must pay the standard £15 exhibition fee by card on delivery.
Please share delivery/collection where you can. Please note you do not need to pay the NT entrance fee to deliver/collect work or steward.
All exhibitors are required to volunteer for at least two days Stewarding or Supervising at the show plus one date for emergency cover, we are not able to run the show without this, so it is a requirement. If your circumstances do not allow this, please contact Sarah before you sign up to show. We will email all participants when the rota is available to view in early July on the Makers Area of the SCS website. The standard stewarding travel expenses can be claimed (mileage within Suffolk up to £20 per round trip) and paid after the exhibition.
The standard SCS Insurance cover applies (fire and theft which involves entry to or exit from the insured premises by forcible or violent means) and single item value limit of £7,500. All other losses are not covered by the Society's insurance and participants are encouraged to have their own insurance.
Furniture Makers - Please advise Sarah and Claire (Secretary) of delivery charges of large pieces from this show (rates within Suffolk and outside of the county) so this information can be included in the Exhibition Folder.
Please be clear that the Curators of the show make the decisions on what and how to display the work. It is not guaranteed that all your work will be shown, some will be held in a storage area and brought out for display as items are sold and space is available.
All components of your work have to be made by you (excluding frames for framed work, which can be made by a framer) if you need clarity on this or any other aspect of the show, please contact Sarah.
Demonstrations
Th National Trust are keen for the Makers to hold demonstrations during the show. Please note that demonstrations (day or half day) would be in addition to stewarding - we cannot double up on both. Travel expenses for demonstrating can be claimed (mileage within Suffolk up to £20 for round trip) and paid after the exhibition. Please email Sarah Woodcock if you would like to demonstrate.
Finally, please enjoy being involved in the show this year, it's great fun to work with your SCS colleagues and visitors love your work.