I'm applying to join the Worcestershire Guild in 2024! A little like the Artist Formerley Known As Prince, the Worcestershire Guild of Designer Craftsmen is in the process of upgrading it's name to the snappier "Worcestershire Guild" (if you have come across them and are slightly confused by the presence of two websites, this is the reason) and I (not directly as a result of this) have applied to join this talented bunch!
I am currently in the early stages of induction and am delighted to tell you that I have been invited to exhibit with Worcestershire Guild at the RHS Malvern Spring Festival in May 2024! I have some experience exhibiting at RHS events, having been invited to exhibit at Tatton Park Flower Show, the sister event to Chelsea Flower Show in 2008 and 2009 (by special invitation of the management, no less, in an effort to introduce more art into the show). More recently, I took a stand at the Autumn Show at Malvern Show Ground, which is not technically an RHS event (although there is still an RHS exhibit) but very similar, with a few more tractors and the odd Camel, so happily I know what to expect.
Becoming a member of Worcestershire Guild is quite a protracted process meaning I will be required to take part in a total of three shows over the next year - I believe the other two will be the Autumn Show at Malvern and most likely "Craftworks" at Elmslie House in Malvern itself. Elmslie House is a beautiful Grade II listed family home which hosts a variety of events, workshops and craft shows - I paid a visit myself recently and it is well worth a trip!
Following that there will be a vote amongst existing members to establish if I will become a full member, which is a tiny bit scary, but they seem like a friendly bunch, so I hope that I fit in and am very much looking forward to exhibiting with them over the course of 2024 and hopefully beyond!
