The Society History

The Society was founded in 1976 by a group of local craftsmen. They mainly specialised in country crafts, such as spinning, weaving, pewter work, silversmithing, wood turning and pottery.

From the early records it would seem that artwork was excluded. The Society was for crafts alone. Unfortunately, a complete list of those original crafts no longer exists.

The first craft fair was held at the Guildhall in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in November 1976. This was such a success that the Fair became an annual event. Later the venue was changed and the Fair was held in Close House Mansion.

At the start of the Society, there were three types of membership; Full Craft Member, Associate Member and a Friend of the Society. A craftsman applying to join the Society was required to submit 3 to 5 items of work to the Assessment Committee. The applicant’s work was either accepted, after which they became an Associate Member, or they were asked to resubmit if their work was considered doubtful, or the work could be refused outright. Full craft membership could be applied for after two year’s Associate Membership, when their work was assessed by outside master craftsmen.

In 1982, The Associate level of membership was dropped, and assessment was done by Society members, as Master Craftsmen became hard to find. The range of crafts was increased and now includes artwork.

The Friends of the Society are people who are interested in supporting the Society in a non-exhibiting capacity, assisting in Society events.

Over the years our membership has fluctuated in numbers, but as new members bring new skills, we still maintain a good cross-section of craftsmen and craftswomen to carry out our original objectives and aims.

 

 

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