The Guild Craft Workshops and Gallery

HISTORY
Built around 1790, The Old Silk Mill originally supplied silk to the ribbon trade in Coventry. By the middle of the nineteenth century, the mill had fallen into disrepair but it was on the verge of its most famous incarnation.
In the summer of 1902 some 150 men, women and children from C R Ashbee's Guild of Handicraft relocated from east London to Campden. Workshops for metalwork, furniture, jewellery, silversmithing, wrought-iron and printing were set up in The Old Silk Mill and its surrounding buildings.
Ashbee's dream was short lived. The guild began to make losses in 1905 and went into liquidation in 1908. Although this was the end of Ashbee's project, it was the beginning for many other craftsmen, some of them original guildsmen, who began working under their own names in The Old Silk Mill.
Perhaps the best known of these is the silversmith George Hart whose successful business is still run from The Old Silk Mill by his grandson, together with his son and nephew.
Over a century after Ashbee's vision of a 'paradise of workshops' The Old Silk Mill continues to be home to highly skilled arts and crafts workers with workshops old and new, a gallery and light refreshments.
THE GALLERY @ THE GUILD Tel: 07870 417144 www.thegalleryattheguild.co.uk
Attracted by the history of the building and Campden's significant reputation in the Arts and Crafts movement, a new cooperative of artists and artisans moved into the site of the Guild of Handicraft workshops in 2005. The Gallery @ the Guild now draws on the work of over twenty local members who present a diverse programme of exhibitions throughout the year. The members include fine artists, ceramicists, jewellery designers, photographers, furniture makers, textile artists and sculptors who take turns at stewarding the exhibitions and are always happy to talk to visitors about the work on sale. For information about exhibitions and to view a selection of each member's work, please visit our website.
SUSAN MEGSON GLASS
Susan Megson has recently relocated from Stow on the Wold to join Campden’s rich arts and crafts heritage. Susan represents British and International glass blowers showcasing unique hand-blown glass art pieces crafted by renowned artists within The Gallery @ The Guild. Recent exhibitors include Ian Bamforth, Vic Bamforth, Yves Lohe and Graham Muir.
CAROLINE RICHARDSON JEWELLERY
Tel.01386 841167 website: www.carolinejewellery.co.uk
Caroline is quickly establishing a reputation for creating desirable contemporary jewellery. Her award winning work has a simple understated elegance and is entirely bespoke. Items are available to purchase and Caroline also designs and makes jewellery to commission.
HART GOLD AND SILVERSMITHS (Est 1888)
Tel. 01386 841100 website: www.hartsilversmiths.co.uk
This team of master craftsmen specialise in the best traditions of handmade silver designing and making a wide range of domestic, civic and ecclesiastical silverware. The workshop is the last operating remnant of C. R. Ashbee’s Guild of Handicraft. For more information please visit our website.
NEW ENGLAND COFFEE HOUSE
Tel. 01386 849251
Roasting its own beans and creating its own delicious blends, New England Coffee House is fast becoming one of Campden’s most popular haunts. New England Coffee House also has a juice bar and serves delicious organic ice cream and locally sourced paninis. Come and join us for the best coffee in The Cotswolds! Open 7 days a week 9am to 5pm