50 talented makers on show as Suffolk Craft Society’s annual show opens online this weekend

PUBLISHED: 14:04 17 July 2020 | UPDATED: 10:55 21 July 2020

Listen for the Bells (crop) by Jean Fryer, in the Suffolk Craft Society Summer Exhibition. Photo: Jean Fryer

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Jewellery, textiles, ceramics, glass, printmaking and woodworking Suffolk Craft Society offers a month-long visual feast, plus pop-up markets in Aldeburgh

Pony by Kate Reynolds in the Suffolk Craft Society Summer Exhibition. Photo: Kate Reynolds

For Suffolk Craft Society, its 50th anniversary year has not turned out quite as expected. After cancelling a new spring show in Bury St Edmunds because of lockdown, there were some tough decisions to be made about its popular and much anticipated six-week Summer Exhibition in Aldeburgh.

The annual show – always on a fully curated scale – proved impossible to contemplate in the midst of Covid regulations, especially with many SCS makers unable to take part because of personal and family circumstances.

But many designer craft-makers have been busier than ever during lockdown, creating remarkable and original work, experimenting and drawing inspiration from their nearby surroundings, and, like many of us looking at nature with a less hurried eye than usual.

So, the society has come up with a fresh and original way to provide a visual feast for lovers of contemporary crafts.

Hare and Oak Leaves by Paddy Peters in the Suffolk Craft Society Suimmer Exhibition. Photo: Paddy Peters

The first is a Virtual Summer Exhibition which will run on the Suffolk Craft Society website for the exact same weeks as it would have done in the Peter Pears Gallery in Aldeburgh. Launching on Saturday July 18, and running until the end of Bank Holiday Monday August 31, the work of around 50 makers will be featured. As you browse the exhibition online you will be able to click through to individual makers’ details and contact them to arrange to buy their work, or commission new work.

Second, the society will run three weeks of Pop-Up Summer Markets in the Peter Pears Gallery off Aldeburgh High Street, changing the mix of makers each week, from Thursday August 6 to Wednesday August 26.

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Enamelled silver earrings by Sara Barker in the Suffolk Craft Society Summer Exhibition. Photo: Sara Barker

There will be seven craft-makers per market, and a wide range of craft disciplines will be featured. There will be plenty of space and a safe environment for visitors, and makers will be happy to chat about their work.

One of the usual fixtures remains – the SCS Friends’ Raffle and the chance to win one of six lovely craft works by SCS makers.

SCS chair, Sarah Thane said the Aldeburgh Exhibition has regularly attracted over 6,500 visitors in the past few years and is normally a big feature of the summer on the coast.

The Crossing at Flatford by Annabel Ridley in the Suffolk Craft Society Summer Exhibition. Photo: Annabel Ridley

“It would be really affirming if many out to enjoy the sea air again could visit the Pop-Up Markets or for those unable to do so, browse the Virtual Summer Exhibition from the comfort of home,” she said.

Browse the Suffolk Craft Society Summer Exhibition here