Where to buy something special this weekend: Modern Makers Christmas market

trish.lee@newburynews.co.uk

Published: 09:40, 19 November 2021

| Updated: 09:42, 19 November 2021

THOSE talented members of local Modern Makers Collective have been creating hundreds of beautiful handmade items for you to buy at their Christmas Market this weekend at Yattendon Village Hall - from ceramics and jewellery to textiles and paintings, basketry and bags to woodwork and prints, lampshades and bookbinding to Christmas wreaths and artisan soaps, an abundance of delights will be on display.

This festive and fun makers market is an opportunity to find unique gifts or an extra special treat for yourself. It features a wealth of talented local artists, craftspeople, designers and makers, including ceramicists Andrew Hazelden, who has recently moved his pottery to Bradfield, and Harriet Coleridge, a longstanding member of the collective. Both Andrew and Harriet began their careers at the renowned Aldermaston Pottery with Alan Caiger-Smith and the wonderful and different directions they went in with their own work can be seen side by side at the market.

Local artists Freya Barton and Anne Payton will be at the market. Freya paints colourful and jewel-like pictures as well as decorated interior pieces and Anne paints and prints dynamic and lyrical pictures. There are three jewellers at the market this year; Charlotte Berry whose stunning jewellery is inspired by the natural world around her, Kate Wilkinson who creates magical silver forms, and Drawer of Plush, who incorporates hand-painting and impressed porcelain into her delicate gold and silver jewellery.

A range of different textiles and accessories will be available at the market, including beautiful handstitched leather handbags made by Victoria Baker, exquisite handwoven silk scarves by Mary Lowry and sumptuous embroideries by Yvette Phillips.

There are several exciting new members of the collective, among them Hannah Elizabeth, who creates prints and illustrations of local sites, the fabulous Lots of Lovely Art, selling their imaginative and inspiring art boxes for children and Eric Michell’s lost objects transformed into stunning interior pieces.

Natural materials are central to some of the makers’ work, including willow weaver Louise Arthur’s charming baskets, and Gaia Botanics’ natural artisan soap. Jon Townsin’s fine crafted woodwork and furniture combine different varieties of wood to create beautiful contrasts and patterns and Michael J Amphlett explores the natural movement of the wood with his handcarved spoons.