Material Matters: contemporary craft practice by Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust makers

Supported by Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust

Our summer exhibition will showcase the work of Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust artist-makers.

The museum holds an important collection of work by C R Ashbee and the Guild of Handicraft and celebrates fine craftsmanship and design in Chipping Campden and the north Cotswolds
from the beginning of the twentieth century to the present day.

CEO of QEST, Deborah Pocock LVO, says “QEST is delighted to be collaborating with Court Barn on this prestigious exhibition, bringing together some of our hugely talented scholars from across the local area. We are proud to have supported so many makers, enabling them to take their craft skills to the next level, and we very much look forward to seeing the work of this group on show in Material Matters.”

QEST is a charity dedicated to supporting excellence in British craftsmanship and since 1990 has awarded over £5.2 million to 700 makers, many of whom are leaders in their field. Many QEST alumni continue to pass on their skills and demonstrate a strong commitment to the British craft industry. The charity funds makers who are undertaking college courses, vocational training, apprenticeships with master craftsmen and more.

We are delighted to present the work of eight talented makers who have benefited from the charity’s support. The scholars in this exhibition work in Gloucestershire and neighbouring counties. All are
highly skilled in their field and funding from QEST has enabled them to expand their knowledge by working with master craftsmen and exploring new techniques which take their practice to the next level.

Exhibitors:
Max Bainbridge I Forest + Found (2019 QEST Winch Design Scholar)
Woodturning

Abigail Booth I Forest + Found (2020 QEST Jennifer Emery Scholar)
Textiles and Painting

Mandy Coppes-Martin (2021 QEST Scholar)
Paper artistry and lacemaking

Lilly Deeming (2020 QEST Apprentice)
Shoemaking

Susan Early (2012 QEST Garfield Weston Foundation Scholar)
Basketmaking

Jack Richardson (2021 QEST AHS Ltd Apprentice)
Thatching

Alice Walton (2018 QEST Carole Bamford Scholar)
Ceramics

Zoe Watts (2018 QEST Arts Scholars’ Company Scholar)
Silversmithing

Events

Willow Basket Making with Susan Early

postponed until the Autumn

Thursday 13 July, 10-4pm

Church Rooms, Calf Lane, Chipping Campden

Weave a beautiful and useful basket guided by experienced basket weaver Susan Early, using English Willow from Somerset. Learn traditional techniques and a variety of weaves to complete your basket!

Tickets: £75.00 plus £5.00 materials fee.

Email admin@courtbarn.org.uk or call 01386 841951 to book.

Tea and coffee will be provided throughout the day, though please bring a packed lunch.

Susan designs and makes both traditional baskets and sculptural forms in willow and hedgerow materials. A QEST Garfield Weston Foundation Scholarship enabled her to travel to France to study with master basket maker David Drew, where she learnt new skills and studied a number of traditional techniques which she has continued to develop and incorporate into her practice

Material Matters Q&A – A Day in the Life of a Cotswold Thatcher THIS EVENT HAS PASSED

Saturday 12 August 11am-12.30pm

Join master thatcher Joe Thornton and QEST apprentice thatcher Jack Richardson for a lively discussion around the joy of thatch! Discover the materials that are used in this quintessentially Cotswold craft and its more unusual applications.

Call 01386 841951 or email admin@courtbarn.org.uk to book your tickets for this unmissable event! Free with Museum admission.

Friday 19 May at 3pm SOLD OUT – THIS EVENT HAS PASSED

Panel Discussion: Deborah Pocock, CEO of QEST, will chair a discussion alongside Howard Clegg, owner of the Stratford Gallery in Broadway and representatives of the eight artist-makers who will be exhibiting.

Tickets £7.50 or £5 for Friends of Court Barn.

Please contact the museum for more information.