The Art of Craft

An exhibition of unique contemporary and traditional Dorset craft work

28 February - 13 June 2004

The Art of Craft Exhibition aimed to stimulate a new interest in the cultural distinctiveness of Dorset's traditional crafts. local artists, crafts men and women were given the opportunity to learn a number of traditional Dorset craft skills and were then commissioned to design a contemporary craft item incorporating these skills in an innovative way, illustrating the rich diversity of craft skills and talent within local communities.

Toured to: Tarrant Keyneston, Sixpenny Handley, Shillingstone, Thorncombe, Beaminster Museum, Ibberton and Buckland Newton, before finally appearing in Bergh Apton, Norfolk, near the ancient Ridgeway Track that once provided trade links from Dorset to the Norfolk coast.

Workshops included: Hurdle making, smocking, Dorset Buttony, basket making and bobbin lacemaking