Farnham World Craft Town

Farnham’s rich heritage of craft dating back to the 16th century has earned the town the honour of being able to refer to itself as England’s craft town. The craft town project aims to build on the town’s creative past. Farnham has several highly acclaimed art and craft venues in Farnham including the Crafts Study Centre, the University of Creative Arts, the Farnham Maltings and New Ashgate Gallery to name just a few. The project aims to attract an increased number of visitors to the town who wish to take part in one of the many craft courses or activities on offer throughout the year. Each year October the town hosts a range of craft led events and activities giving people the opportunity to learn a new craft or improve existing skills. Farnham’s craft roots date back to a time when the town exported white clay to the Romans. In the 16th century, local potteries were major suppliers of pottery to London and in Victorian times, Farnham was renowned for its distinctive Greenware pottery. Farnham Pottery is one of the best preserved examples of a working Victorian country pottery in England. The establishment of The Farnham School of Art and Science in 1880 strongly promoted education in craft subjects as part of its curriculum, and a powerful reputation was developed that has lasted throughout the 20th century and to the present day. The University for the Creative Arts is the successor institution to the art school and offers a varied range of arts’ courses. The Farnham Maltings is of great cultural importance to the town. A year round programme of exhibitions includes everything from textiles to sugarcraft. Craft across the centuries can be seen and researched in Farnham. Visitors can find out more about Farnham Greenware at the Museum of Farnham or view the unrivalled collections at the Crafts Study Centre. The New Ashgate Gallery offers a diverse range of craft work for sale and is focused on creating opportunities for emerging makers.