70 Years of Making

ExhibitionRiverside MillRiverside Gallery

2 Jan

The story of the Devon Guild of Craftsmen

This exhibition celebrates the rich and evolving journey of the Devon Guild of Craftsmen.

Founded in 1955 by a small group of visionary makers, the Guild began as a collective of artists and craftspeople dedicated to raising the profile of contemporary craft in the Southwest of England. Over the decades, it has grown into a nationally respected organisation, supporting hundreds of professional makers and inspiring generations through exhibitions, education, and community engagement.

From its early days touring around rural Devon, to its establishment at the historic Riverside Mill in Bovey Tracey, the Guild has been at the heart of the region’s creative life.

This exhibition traces its journey - through objects, photographs, and archival material, revealing not just the story of an organisation, but of a wider movement; one that champions the handmade, values skill and innovation, and places craft at the centre of cultural life.

This exhibition is generously supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund using money raised by National Lottery players. With special thanks to archivist Jenny Hill, and Honorary Maker Members Janet Wingate and Malcolm Law.

12 July – 18 October 2025

Riverside Gallery

Events

Saturday 12 July, 1.30pm - 3pm: Opening Event

Inside the gallery

Coming soon…

Own a piece of history

John Maltby and Breon O’Casey Exhibition Catalogue

This catalogue was published in 2011 to accompany the exhibition John Maltby & Breon O’Casey at Devon Guild of Craftsmen.

Dual sided, split in half, one half details John Maltby’s exhibition pieces and the other half Breon O’Casey’s. It features an essay on each artist as well as their biographies.

Approx. 66 pages