The Gloucestershire Guild is presenting the fourth Crafts Alive festival, titled Flowers and the Maker’ from September 10 to September 14, at Rodmarton Manor.
The five-day event draws inspiration from a recently discovered recording of a radio interview with Mary Biddulph, discussing a flower festival held at Rodmarton Manor to raise funds for the village church.
Rodmarton Manor is a unique Arts and Crafts manor house, which was designed for the Biddulph family.
The festival will feature the work of guild members and guest exhibitors throughout the house, celebrating the inspiration of flowers and sustainable crafts.
In a unique collaborative effort, eight makers and four florists will combine their talents to create displays that blend flowers and foliage with basketry, ceramics, jewellery and textiles.
The chapel will feature a floral installation by Bex Partridge, who works mainly with dried flowers.
Her installations are designed to prompt reflection on nature’s seasonal changes.
Emma Thistlethwaite will also contribute to the festival, creating a floral tapestry wall piece inspired by the designs of William Morris.
A site-specific exhibition by 17 artists from Victoria Works Studios, a creative hub in the village of Chalford, will be showcased in one of the attic bedrooms.
The Guild will also present contemporary crafts by 47 makers, including calligraphy, ceramics, glass, furniture, jewellery, mosaic, leatherwork, textiles and fashion.
These pieces are specially made for, and inspired by, the house and its floral surroundings.
The gardens will also feature works by guest exhibitors Dan Rawlings, Ellie Drake-Lee, Judith Hobbs and a site-specific installation in the summerhouse by Corinne Hockley and Davy and Kristy McGuire.
Original works will be available for purchase.
The festival will also offer daily demonstrations, workshops, talks and locally made food and drink.
The Crafts Alive project aims to demonstrate the significant social value of the Arts & Crafts movement and promote the creation of well-made items.
The festival will run from 10am to 4pm each day.
Tickets are priced at £15, with free entry for under-16s.
The ticket price includes access to the manor house, gardens, daily demonstrations and interactive drop-in workshops.
