This is what Slow Craftsmanship is

CRAFT shows are as varied as their exhibitors and, as a former advisor for the Arts Council back in the day, I’m pretty picky, says Arts Editor TRISH LEE

It gives me so much pleasure to visit shows by quality makers like the Modern Makers Collective, who are returning with another Yattendon Winter Market.

They are celebrating Slow Craftsmanship on the weekend of November 23 and 24, between 10am and 4pm.

Modern Makers Collective is a curated group of skilled makers, designers, artists and craftspeople, committed to promoting high-quality craftsmanship, sustainability and community engagement through the annual Winter Market and programme of workshops in the local area.

One of the organising artists, co-founder of Modern Makers Collective, Aimée Payton says: “The picturesque estate village of Yattendon is the perfect setting for the Winter Market, with its award-winning pubs and beautiful scenery, providing visitors with a lovely opportunity to enjoy a day of shopping and delicious food.

“Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift or a special treat for yourself, you’ll find a diverse and vibrant selection of handmade treasures to choose from, including jewellery, ceramics, textiles, glass, printmaking, basket weaving and much more.”

Yattendon Winter Market is sponsored by Stanford Dingley timber frame building specialists McCurdy & Co, whose fine craftsmanship can be seen in Shakespeare’s Globe in London.

The market showcases a group of 24 exceptional artists, designer-makers and craftspeople.

Among them will be several new faces, bringing a wave of fresh creativity alongside more seasoned Collective members.

Celebrating Slow Craftsmanship, the event aims to foster a deeper connection and understanding between the makers and visitors, highlighting the time, effort, and skill that go into handmade artworks.

This is exemplified in the work of knitwear designer-maker and farmer Loopy Ewes.

As well as handcrafting a collection of garments, accessories and homewares, Katie Allen of Loopy Ewes is also a farmer – looking after a flock of rare breed sheep to produce all the raw fibre for her work.

This year she started cultivating dye plants on the farm to grow her own colour, as well as fibre.

Her work tells the story of how textiles can be produced in harmony with the rhythms of nature and it connects customers to the slow rituals of making.

Another maker whose work is rooted in nature and the slow movement of the times of year, is basket maker Louise Arthur.

Each season lends itself to a different element of Louise’s craft; from the willow harvest of spring, to the opportunities of summer to share basketry skills and techniques with others, while autumn and winter invite hedgerow and garden harvests, foraging of weaving fibres and carving, forming and setting frames.

Slow Craftsmanship is celebrated in a different way by bookbinder Lorna McCurdy. From her local bindery Lorna makes books with a focus on craftsmanship; each of the multiple different steps required to make a fine leather binding are a work of art in themselves.

From the stitching and leatherwork, to the traditional gold leaf tooling, Lorna’s books are formed using the best traditional techniques, while her aesthetic takes this in a more abstract direction.

Each of the makers taking part pour everything into creating exceptional pieces with care, attention to detail, a deep respect for materials and traditional techniques often fused with modern design.

Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the makers, learn about their processes, and purchase one-of-a-kind items that embody the essence of slow craft.

Entry is £3 (children under 16 free), in support of the village primary school – previous funds raised by Yattendon Winter Market have contributed to art activities for the school children.

Refreshments are also available at the market.

“We are thrilled to host an event that not only showcases the incredible talent of our Collective, but also encourages mindful purchasing,” says Aimée.

“The popularity of our Winter Market reflects a growing appreciation for unique, high- quality products that tell a story and a commitment to thoughtful and sustainable purchases over mass-produced items.”

Visit www.modernmakerscollective.co.uk for more