About Oxfordshire Craft Guild

President: Joanna Foster CBE, past Chair of the Crafts Council
Chair: Iain Shield

The Oxfordshire Craft Guild is a membership organisation of makers working in a wide range of crafts, each with their individual style. Members are admitted on the basis of the quality of their work which is reviewed by peers in an informal and welcoming way on application to the Guild.

We believe that the use of materials to create beautiful objects enriches all of our lives and that an understanding of the processes and an appreciation of the results is an essential part of education. Creativity enhances well-being, and creative skills are important to society.

We support and encourage quality craftspeople and the development and dissemination of craft knowledge and skills. The Guild:

  • Is welcoming and encourages its membership
  • Provides commercial opportunities for its members
  • Recognises the very best and most innovative work of our members
  • Encourages sharing of ideas and practices
  • Encourages members to present and participate in exhibitions and talks
  • Helps members develop and disseminate their creative skills and business experience

Members distinguish themselves from other local makers by using the initials OCG after their name.

How we work

  • OCG is a non-profit organisation managed by its Board of elected members from the different crafts. We have a paid administrator but are also very dependent on members to assist in the running of the Guild in various ways.
  • A major part of our work is organising and running exhibitions. We mount a six-week Christmas Exhibition at the Oxfordshire Museum in Woodstock, set up and run by members, and several smaller exhibitions throughout the year.
  • The Guild supports the artistic development of its members in various ways including the Audrey Blackman prize. This is awarded by independent judges as representing the best use of materials, innovation and creativity.
  • We hold business and social meetings throughout the year along with shows and talks when members will have a chance to meet each other and discuss their work and ideas.
  • We welcome the support given by the Friends of the Oxfordshire Craft Guild who provide encouragement to the Guild and who help in a number of practical ways. Friends of the Guild will share our vision and enthusiasm about the importance of keeping the craft sector flourishing. As a Friend of the Guild you will receive copies of our Newsletter, invitations to Guild exhibitions and a Membership Card that entitles you to a 10% discount at our Christmas Exhibition in Woodstock.
  • Become a Friend of the Guild

For key Guild contacts see the Contact Us page.

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