Did you know that the Wessex Guild of Craftsmen was established over 40 years ago? As we launch our new website and activate lots of plans for growth, read below to find out more about where we came from.
The Wessex Guild of Craftsmen first formed in 1978 with 64 members. Two of our current members joined the Guild in those early days: Susan Ware in 1984 and Jo Berryman a year later, in 1985.
Unfortunately, the Guild faced a lack of support at events and was unable to form a committee, so the decision was taken to disband in 1986.
A new Guild was duly set up in 1988, with Jo Berryman at the helm (chairman) and Susan Ware on the committee. Both gave their time and served on the committee for several years.
Today Jo remains actively involved as our secretary.
Now, the Guild totals 21 members (2020) and the future looks bright. We have welcomed five new members this year, offering a diverse selection of crafts, including basket weaving, ceramic sculpture, digital painting, contemporary painting, leather craft and textile work.
We start 2020 with a new website and lots of plans for increasing awareness of the Guild and demonstrating quality craftsmanship at several events across Hampshire. We look forward to supporting our members through a successful year of exhibiting and selling their work.
It’s going to be exciting! If you are a craftsperson based in Hampshire or an adjoining county and you’d like to join us on our journey, please go to the Membership page for more information about the application process.
