Parham to host annual Sussex Guild craft show

Taking place this year on the weekend of June 6 and 7, between 10.30am-5.00pm daily, the event is hosted jointly by Parham House & Gardens (www.parhaminsussex.co.uk) and The Sussex Guild (www.thesussexguild.co.uk).

During the weekend, visitors will also be able to tour Parham House and see its unique collection of 17th and 18th century embroidery and the sensitively chosen collection of beautiful old furniture, paintings and textiles.

They will also be able to tour and draw inspiration from Parham’s gardens and the magnificent four acre 18th century Walled Garden which contains an Orchard, Herb Garden, Vegetable Garden, 1920s children’s Wendy House built into the walls, Greenhouse and beautiful herbaceous borders.

In a marquee in the Pleasure Grounds next to Parham House, over 30 contemporary designer makers - members of the Sussex Guild - will be exhibiting their beautiful products, including ceramics, furniture, glass, jewellery, metalwork, silversmithing, textiles and woodwork.

The event provides visitors with the chance to meet the artists, see and buy their goods, or commission an individual piece.

This year two new Sussex Guild members will be exhibiting at Parham.

Wolfram Lohr makes leather goods including bags, belts, wallets and braces. Each product is created with a passion for quality and strength. Sue Mapley specialises in patchwork, making quilts, wall hangings, cushions and framed textile pieces.

The Sussex Guild is a group of professional designers and makers of fine contemporary and traditional craftwork, whose members live and work in Sussex and the adjoining counties of Kent, Surrey and Hampshire.

The members have all been selected for their high degree of skill and creativity. Although the Sussex Guild has changed and grown over the years since its foundation in 1970, the original spirit still remains.

The Sussex Guild continues to be an autonomous, self-help organisation whose members aim to promote and sell their work together, and who still enjoy, as before, a very special bond of friendship and support between them.

The Guild aims to inspire and encourage public appreciation of fine craftsmanship by organising shows and exhibitions in a wide variety of venues.

Visitors to these events enjoy learning about the crafts they see on display and can discuss with the makers themselves the design process, the techniques, tools and materials used. Exhibitors are always willing to talk about their work.

Lady Emma Barnard, Chatelaine of Parham House & Gardens, comments “We are delighted that so many very talented Sussex Guild members are coming to Parham again this year.

“The beautiful objects they produce, both for display and for sale, always delight and inspire our visitors. I know that this year will be no exception.”

For more information visit Visit www.parhaminsussex.co.uk or www.thesussexguild.co.uk

Report and pictures contributed by Zanny Gilchrist.