Rye, Hastings and Fairlight artists are taking part in the Hastings Craft Weekend over the late May bank holiday. It’s the first of series of craft focused events at the Observer building, with plans to deliver the event for the next five years to showcase the best in craft from local people in East Sussex.
James Thomas, the project lead for weekend, says the idea is to celebrate heritage crafts. “The stark reality is that these skills are endangered, are disappearing from the education system, and are being replaced with advanced technology and manufacturing. It’s time to protect and promote those skills that are delivered with a real sense of need and purpose within society.”
He says the skills showcased at the event include weaving, furniture making, ceramics, metal work, leather work, embroidery, patchworking, and hat making. “Nationally the picture seems bleak with more crafts entering the critically endangered list, but within East Sussex we have many people who are keeping the skills alive, with several bursaries and larger businesses with a focus on apprenticeships and training. We hope East Sussex will long continue to be a beacon for craft and especially heritage craft.”
Hastings Craft Weekend will take place on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 May at the Observer building, which is now run as a cooperative organisation at the building which was once the offices and print works for the Hastings and St Leonard’s Observer newspaper.
Craft Makers:
Alexi Marshall
Adam Kester – Bird & Branch Turnery Co
Claire Whelan – Whelan’s Weaving
Christopher Hughes – Ink and Clay
Emma Harding – EH Mosaics
Nikki Haigh – Uniform Jewellery
Katie Boccaccini Meadows
Catalin Filip – Melo Clay
Rowan Corkhill
Claire Buckley
Bekky May
Debbie Quargnola – Tala Home & Living
Mark Thomas – Makermark
David Bracher
Holly Dawes
James Torble – Loose Fit Furniture
Scott Garrett – Garretts World
Rachel Karasik – RK Ceramics
Jo McAllister
Amy Leake – Woodmungler
Tara Mcdonald – Botanical Dye
Bethan Smith – Mudimakes
Melanie Laslett – Laslett England
Jane Fryers – Jane Fryers Millinery
Katja Seaton
Rachel Trewin – Liv and Flo
Ellen Rose Svenningsen – Svenningsen Studios
Elena Blank
Julie Gurr
Jazmine Miles Long
Kasia Hamilton
Image Credits: Jo McAllister , Mark Thomas , Hastings Craft Weekend .