The Society of Designer Craftsmen – one of the UK’s largest and most prestigious craft organisations – brings its latest exhibition to Oxmarket Contemporary in Chichester this autumn. 

Supporting its members through major exhibitions, events and creative networks, the Society offers contemporary makers the opportunity to be part of a family that stretches back over 140 years and includes a rollcall of some of the most famous names in craft design and thinking.

Designer Craft – Tales in the Making promises to be more than an exhibition of beautiful craft, it will also be an invitation to peep inside the creative world of the makers themselves. Every work shown will carry a story: a memory, an influence, a spark of inspiration, a material choice or intricacies of the making process. These narrative fragments may intrigue or inform but all will offer fascinating insights into the journey from concept to craft.

Over 40 talented members of the Society will be showcasing work across a wide range of disciplines – ceramics, feltmaking, glassmaking, furniture, mosaics, jewellery, metalwork, printmaking, textiles, paper, weaving and woodcarving & turning. Shown together, these practices illuminate the breadth and vitality of contemporary craft, offering visitors the chance to encounter original works, many being shown for the first time. All works are for sale and the show offers an excellent opportunity for art and craft collectors and well as those seeking to buy unique, hand-crafted pieces destined to be treasured for generations.

To complement the exhibition, artist demonstrations will take place on most days. Visitors will have the opportunity to see craft skills in action – from weaving and embroidery to feltmaking, ceramics, and printmaking – offering a rare chance to meet the makers and watch them at work.