A Brief History

53 years of excellence

The Worcestershire Guild of Designer Craftsmen was founded in April 1952 by nine craftsmen and women dedicated to promoting their unique works of art through exhibitions, demonstrations and teaching. Many of them had their family roots in the famous Bromsgrove and Red Rose Guilds, whose members were actively involved in the Birmingham Arts and Crafts Movement of the late 1800s and early 1900s.

From the beginning the Guild was able to exhibit at several prestigious venues, including the Royal Birmingham School of Art and The Three Counties Show in Malvern. For several years a series of lectures was also held with many interesting subjects covered, most directly related to artist-craftsmen, and members of the public could attend for a modest entrance fee.

In order to increase variety and breathe new life into its membership, the Guild decided at an early stage to accept members from outside the county, after which it grew and prospered. Today it continues to exhibit at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Spring and Autumn Garden Shows and at the Three Counties Show, all held at the Three Counties Showground in Malvern. It also takes part in the famous Three Choirs Festival each summer, and stages an excellent pre-Christmas Show in Worcester.

The Guild has flourished and has at present ovey fifty exhibiting members, ranging in age from 25 to 75. Many have become famous, and their work collectable by conniosseurs in their field. Guild members continue to win prestigious national and international awards, proving that they adhere to the same standards of craftsmanship demanded half a century ago. Their works of art are the antiques of the future.