Oxford Mail photographers were often invited to record the skills of the older generations.
In Picture 1, we see Mrs K Potter – we don’t know her first name – giving a demonstration of weaving. She was a member of the Oxford Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers.
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Oxford Area Arts Council had organised a series of craft markets that year.
The Oxford Mail reported: “There were stalls selling pottery, woodcraft, jewellery, suede and leather goods, and handcraft candles – all the work of craftsmen and women from Oxford and surrounding villages.
“If visitors weren’t there to buy, there were demonstrations of spinning, weaving and lace making to watch. Shoppers poured through the doors all day.”
There was also a bonus for parents – they could leave their children at an art workshop in a neighbouring room so they could walk around in peace.
Picture 2, taken at another craft market, shows Philip Williams, of Uffington, near Wantage, demonstrating glass model making to Stuart Wall, of Bicester.
That day, visitors were able to try their hand at a potter’s wheel, watch glass blowing, wood carving, leather and silverware demonstrations and buy artwork and clothing.
Two dozen craftsmen and women were at the market manning their own stalls.
Organiser Kate Brown said: “Oxford has needed something like this for a long time. People interested in buying good work often have to go far afield or else they don’t know where to go to find such work.”
George Fish is seen in Picture 3 displaying his art talents to Andrea Duncan at an event organised by Oxford Age Concern while in Picture 4, Les Owens demonstrates his pottery skills.
Grace Moore puts the finishing touches to her painting in Picture 5 and in Picture 6, Janet Phillips attracts plenty of attention as she shows her skills on the loom.
The pictures were taken by Oxford Mail photographers Bill Radford and Peter Farr at the Old Fire Station arts centre in George Street, Oxford, in the 1970s.
