Craft Says… The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair

‘Craft Says Something’. This is the triumphant statement of the team behind The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair in Manchester. It says that Craft has an impact, but it also invites us to question what that impact is. We caught up with the show’s directors to find out more, with just over 2 weeks to go until the 12^th GNCCF…

Craft says… excuse me, listen up, I’m different. Be original, be curious, make a statement. Why not own something that nobody else does? It’s time to think beyond the ubiquitous vanilla of the high street, the curated comfort of terribly nice department stores, and be brave, trust your taste.

The Great Northern Contemporary Craft (GNCCF) returns to Upper Campfield Market from 10th – 13th October 2019. This annual award-winning show brings together over 150 specially selected designer-makers to sell their work to the public. The organisers Ann-Marie Franey and Angela Mann are passionate about supporting contemporary craft makers and challenging the safe, cosy image that Craft can have.

Ann-Marie states, “Park your preconceptions of craft at the door; this is a very different kind of shopping experience. The range and quality of work on sale will impress and inspire, and you’ll love what you find.”

Visitors, including retailers, galleries, interior designers, collectors and the general public have the opportunity to buy work and talk to the designers about their practice and influences, and to commission bespoke unique pieces.

The use of traditional techniques certainly doesn’t have to result in safe craft! You’ll find thoughtful, bold and playful designs created using exceptional skills honed over many years.

The show is now in its 12^th year. Expect a diverse range of talents and stories from professional makers including jewellers, ceramicists, furniture-makers, textile and glass artists, metalsmiths and printmakers. There will also be curator talks and maker demonstrations providing opportunities to learn about materials and processes.

Craft says individuality, longevity, skill, care, passion, originality, it has an impact. Co-Organiser, Angela Mann says, “Contemporary craft isn’t just a match for anything from a top-end retailer. It’s more individual, more vibrant and has provenance; made for keeps, not just a season.”

The GNCCF will commence with a special preview evening on Thursday 10th October from 6pm-9.00pm. Following the preview, the fair will then be open to the public from 10am on Friday 11th October to 4pm on Sunday 13th October. Lots of our makers will be exhibiting, including Eleanor Crane, Tone von Krogh, Ashi Marwaha, Claire Allain, Mizuki Takahashi, Lynsey Walters, Libby Ward, Naomi James, Sarah Packington, Liz Cooksey, Ann Povey, Ruth Green, [vinegar & brown paper] and Zoe Stainton.

Follow this link to the full exhibitor list and visit the GNCCF website for all details and tickets.