New Sculpture Spectacular at Living Crafts, Hatfield House

Hundreds of designer-makers will be showcasing British crafts in action at Hatfield House in Hertfordshire from the 4th to 7th May. This four day craft extravaganza is dedicated to promoting cutting edge creativity and excellence in craftsmanship. Pavilions are packed with established makers, carefully vetted for their individuality and innovation with a festival atmosphere combining craft demonstrations, workshops and entertainment.

Visitors will be immersed for the day in British contemporary craft of exceptional quality, meet the friendly exhibitors who are passionate about their creative talents and enjoy watching craft masterclasses. This is the perfect opportunity to buy handmade gifts with original designs and commission bespoke pieces of work direct from the makers. A huge range of craft will be exhibited, both contemporary and traditional ranging from studio glass, ceramics and designer jewellery to textiles, art, metal and wood.

Highlights for 2017 include a new Sculpture Spectacular, an open air 3D gallery featuring dramatic contemporary sculpture around the showground, celebrating the skills of carving and casting, the Art Centre, Showcase Pavilion, Living History ‘Crafting Village’ and the ever popular Food and Drink Marquee. Don’t miss the Craft & Design Pavilion – with the chance to get up close to highly skilled craft demonstrations and the Emerging Designers Pavilion which supports recently qualified designer-makers and their amazing new talent. Living Crafts is an event true to its name with demonstrations taking place throughout the day, so enjoy meeting the makers and enjoy watching the skills of bodging, blacksmithing, basket making, studio ceramics, sculpting, bow making, jewellery making, glassblowing and so many more….

Living Crafts is complemented by a variety of workshops for all ages. Visitors will have opportunities to try many new crafts under the guidance of expert tutors. Workshops include oil painting, feltmaking, wire sculpture, pyrography, rag rugging, stone carving, Raku firing and jewellery making, to mention just a few! To help plan your day, selected workshops can be pre-booked in advance through the Living Crafts website.

Living Crafts is fabulous, creative experience for all the family where British crafting traditions and contemporary skills are celebrated in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere in a magnificent parkland setting. The event is made all the more special by live music and entertainment with Morris dancing, storytelling, brass and jazz bands. There are also plenty of places to sit, relax and enjoy some delicious refreshments.

Hatfield House is an outstanding historical venue, being the childhood residence of Queen Elizabeth 1 and renowned for Jacobean craftsmanship. Event tickets include admission to the beautiful West Garden surrounding Hatfield House and over 1,000 acres of parkland. To make sure you don’t miss out on the Living Crafts experience, visit www.livingcrafts.co.uk for advance tickets.