Craft on Exmoor

Ninety five per cent of West Somerset is designated either as a National Park, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or Special Landscape Area. This will come as no surprise to frequent visitors who come to enjoy the tranquillity of the Quantock Hills, the Brendons and Exmoor. Many of the artists and crafts people who live in the area find inspiration in the peace and beauty, and, working in towns and little known villages, extend a warm welcome to visitors - especially discerning buyers!

Painters, potters, blacksmiths, furniture makers - the great variety of professional skills offers fascinating opportunities to explore the area while you root out something that's exactly to your taste. In some studios and workshops you can actually see the craft or art work taking shape.

• Tiverton craft Centre
• Washford Mill Washford www.washfordmill.co.uk
• Exmoor Producers Association www.exmoorproducers.co.uk
• Devon Wedding www.devon-wedding.com
• Dartington Crystal
• Pulhams Mill Furniture and Craft Centre

www.peterhendrie.co.uk
Local landscape photographers site.

www.exmoor-producers.co.uk
Exmoor producers association site

www.devonfirst.co.uk/exmoor/crafts.htm
Exmoor crafts from the North Devon area

www.exmoorteddybears.co.uk
A specialist teddy bear shop in Dunster

www.exmoorglass.co.uk
High quality glassware hand-crafted at Porlock Weir

www.washfordmill.co.uk
The very best of Somerset crafts and products uniquely set within the Old Mill

www.exmoor.com
An extensive guide including art & craft outlets & events.

www.thetwomoorsfestival.com
This major music festival in locations form Exmoor to Dartmoor was such a success in 2001 that it is planned to be held again from October 18th to 26th, 2002

www.houseofexmoor.co.uk
Welcoming country dwellers and all those who adore the countryside. This site is for you. Quality products for the country home and garden.

DOVETAILS GALLERY
The luminous light, colour and textures of
Devon are explored in a range of artworks.



LANDMARK THEATRE
A state of the art theatre and pavilion offering
a range of art and entertainment,
www.northdevontheatres.org.ukwww.northdevontheatres.org.uk



PLOUGH ARTS CENTRE
A varied programme of cinema, theatre,
music. Art and craft gallery. Cafe/bar.
www.plough-arts.orgwww.plough-arts.org



QUEEN'S THEATRE
Year round programme of entertainment with
something for all tastes in this beautifully
refurbished theatre.
www.norUidevontiieatres.org.ukwww.norUidevontiieatres.org.uk


Silver Workshop at Old Wardon Barn. Create your own bangle or simple ring in a day. Also precious metal day courses. www.brightmoredevon.plus.com

MAURICE BISHOP'S STUDIO GALLERY
6 6 8 Castle Hill, Dunster, Minehead, Somerset TA24 6SQ Tel: 0643 821052 Every day 9 can - 6pm.
Signed limited edition prints and greetings cards mainly of Exmoor, from oil on canvas originals painted by Maurice Bishop at the studio. Work can also be seen along with other Exmoor painters at the Exmoor Gallery near the Visitors' Centre in Dunster

BLACKMORES BOOKSHOP AND TEAROOM RESTAURANT
6 High Street, Williton, Taunton, Somerset TA4 4NW Tel: 0984 632227

Frequent exhibitions of the work of local artists and craftspeople. Monthly performances by local musicians and poets/writers.

CROWCOMBE CHURCH HOUSE
Crowcombe, Taunton, Somerset TA4 4AA
Opposite Crowcombe Church.
Opening hours arranged according to exhibition.
Exhibitions of paintings and crafts by local artists - as advertised around the area. A list isj>osted on the Church House notice board at the start of the season.

PINO CLARKE POTTERY
High House, I Castle Hill, Dunster, Somerset TA24 6SQ Tel: 0643 821836


Distinctive hand thrown stoneware pots made on the premises in the anglo oriental tradition for use in the home. Many local natural materials are used in the making of the slips and the glazes.

COURTYARD QALLERY AND FRAMING
3b The Parks, Minehead, Somerset TA24 5NF Tel: 0643 705648


Varied selection of pictures and prints from the nineteenth century to the present day, showing a changing display of work by local artists. There is a pretty tea garden open April-October.

EXMOOR GLASS
Unit 2, Harbour Studios, Porlock Weir, Porlock, Somerset Tel: 0643 863141


Glass blowers making goblets, decanters, vases and jugs can be seen at work. Many other items from skilled glass makers from the South West are also on show.
EXMOOR LANDSCAPE PAINTINGS I PERIWINKLE COTTAGE TEAROOM
Tel: 0643 862152

Pastel paintings of local scenes by Peter Hesp, who can also be contacted at Rectory Cottage, Selworthy, Minehead, Somerset

THE EXMOOR POTTERY
3 Parks Lane, Minehead, Somerset TA24 5NU
Tel: 0643 706188

Pat Jeffs
Pottery and sculpture depicting Exmoor scenes. Hand painted pottery, ceramic house plaques and tableware made on the premises. Commissions welcome. Member of West Country Potters Association

JOHN FALLON GALLERY
41 The Avenue, Minehead, Somerset TA24 5AY Tel: 0643 704486

Large selection of prints, limited editions and original paintings based on local scenes, by John Fallon. Picture framing carried out on the premises.

ANNA FRASER FINE ART
Winsford Gallery, Wnsford, Minehead, Somerset TA24 7JE Tel: 064385 288
Open regularly but not to set hours. Please phone to be sure of availability. Anna Fraser is an artist working to commission - illustration, decorative screens, animal and human portraits from life or photographs. Her work is displayed in the studio.

QREENALEIQH GLASS
The Barns, Elworthy, Taunton TA4 3PX Norman Wallace Tel: 0984 56559

Non-furnace blown glass, making jugs, vases, candlesticks, drinking glasses, bells etc.
Member of Somerset Guild of Craftsmen

COURTYARD GALLERY AND FRAMING
3b The Parks, Minehead, Somerset TA24 5NF Tel: 0643 705648

Varied selection of pictures and prints from the nineteenth century to the present day, showing a changing display of work by local artists. There is a pretty tea garden open April-October.

THE CRAFT EMPORIUM & WORKBOX
13 Friday Street, Minehead, Somerset TA24 5UB Tel: 0643 707006


Individual hand made duck doorstops, plus frogs and country ladies. Selection of crafts from twenty local people. Class, knitwear, pottery, patchwork, paintings, preserves and woodwork. Large, friendly shop with room to browse.

DOVERHAY FORQE STUDIOS
Porlock, Minehead, Somerset TA24 8QB Tel: 0643 862444 Fax: 0643 862955 Opposite Doverhay Car Park
Fine hand engraved glass by Gabrielle Ridler and traditional or contemporary wrought iron work by James Horrobin. Paintings by local artists and other craftworks are also on show.
James Horrobin regularly undertakes large architectural metalwork design -his work includes Gates for the Metalwork Gallery at the Victoria and Albert Museum and Portcullis and Railings for Richmond Terrace, Whitehall.

DULVERTON GUILDHALL HERITAGE AND ARTS CENTRE
The Guildhall, Dulverton, Somerset Off Fore Street

Exhibitions of art and craft work of local professionals and amateurs, plus occasional touring exhibitions.

QREENALEIQH GLASS
The Barns, Elworthy. Taunton TA4 3PX Norman Wallace Tel: 0984 56559

Non-furnace blown glass, making jugs, vases, candlesticks, drinking glasses, bells etc.
Member of Somerset Guild of Craftsmen

INDIVIJEWELS
The Jewellery Workshop, 4 Park Terrace, Minehead Tel: 0643 702992
Open Tuesday-Friday 9am-5pm (closed for lunch 12.30-1.30), Saturday 9am-12.30pm.

Jewellery hand made to order and repaired on the premises by West End of London trained craftsman.

THE LITTLE GALLERY
Harbour Quay, Porlock Weir, Minehead, Somerset TA24 8PA
Tel: 0643 863113
.
The gallery exhibits watercolour, pastel and oil paintings (originals only) by local well known professionals, based on Exmoor and the coast.

PARK STREET POTTERY AND GALLERY
Chapel House Pottery, Periton Road, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 8DX  Maureen Shearlaw
Unusual and exquisite handmade porcelain and stoneware made on the premises. Many pieces are enhanced with 24ct gold, lustres and enamels. Also hand blown glass, sculptural wood etc.
Member of the Devon Guild of Craftsmen.

PULHAMS MILL FURNITURE & CRAFTS
Pulhams Mill, Brompton Regis, Nr. Dulverton, Somerset TA22 9NT Tel: 03987 366
Situated between Wimbleball Lake and Brompton Regis village.
Ian Mawby designs and makes solid timber furniture in English hardwoods - dining settings, coffee tables, dressers, chairs and beds. Pauline Clements hand paints a range of English China and tiles with rural scenes. Also on display are country gifts, pottery, paintings, cards, crafts, jams and herbs.

HUANTOCK & SIMONSBATH POTTERIES
Simonsbath, Minehead, Somerset Tel: 0643 83443
Inspired by local scenery and wildlife, Rod Billington offers a wide variety of relief-patterned stoneware pottery - casseroles, mugs, jugs, vases, lampbases and many other items for the home and kitchen. Quantock Pottery is at Chapel Cottage, West Bagborough, Taunton, Somerset.

RAMBLER STUDIO
Holford, Somerset TA5 IRY Tel: 0278 741315
The showroom is usually open during summer months. Please ring if making a long journey, or if an out of hours appointment is desired.

Holford is signposted off the A39 between Williton and Bridgwater. Theapproach road runs between The Plough Inn and the Garage - keep left for a mile towards Holford Combe, the studio is signposted on a wall.
Oeone Cave is an embroidery specialist, designing and making lamp shades,which are also available as complete individual lamps. She also suppliesmaterials and is available for private and group tuition. Commissionsundertaken.
Member of The Devon Guild of Craftsmen

WILLITON POTTERY
The Old Forge, Half Acre, Wlliton, Taunton. Somerset TA4 4N2 Tel: 0984 632150
Open all year, Monday-Friday 10am-6pm, Visitors to Martin Pettinger's fully working pottery in Williton can see many of the making skills, including 'throwing' pots on the potter's wheel, marbling, brushwork decoration and glazing. A wide range of pots are on sale at both Williton and the Watchet shop.
Member of West Country Potters Association
Also at: Pots, 24 Market Street, Watchet - display and retail shop.

JUSTIN WILLIAMS & JANE CLEAL FURNITURE
Unit C, South Road Workshops, Watchet, Somerset TA23 0HF Tel: 0984 633123


Contemporary furniture is designed and made on a 'one-off basis, t commission, using English and North American hardwoods. Although thei is no exhibition area, items on display will include current commissions an an extensive portfolio.

WITHYCOMBE FAIR
12 Church Street, Dunster, Somerset TA24 6SH Tel: 0643 821880
Special late opening until 9.30; on first Friday and Saturday in December for Dunster by Candlelight festival.

A lovely shop in an old listed building next to the Nunnery in Church Stre specialising in silk flowers for the arranger. The work of several West Coun potters and Woodturners is displayed, and there are original paintings a limited edition etchings - and at

NUMBER ELEVEN at WITHYCOMBE
I I Park Street, Minehead, Somerset TA24 5NQ Tel: 0643 702773
A Victorian shop selling stencils and specialist folk art paints mediums by Jo Sonja of America (over 140 colours including cai colours). Hand painted furniture using these paints and work by li crafts people.

LOWERBOURNE HOUSE
High Street, Porlock, Somerset TA24 8PT Tel/Fax 0643 862948

An artshop/bookshop/stationery shop with a tea room, where a variety of local amateur and semi-professional paintings, photography and occasionally other art forms are displayed.

THE MILLWHEEL GALLERY
High Street, Porlock, Minehead, Somerset TA24 8RH Tel: 0643 862238

Original watercolours, oils, pastels, pen 6 wash drawings; prints, etchings and engravings, based on Exmoor land and sea scapes. Local artists exhibited include Barry Watkin, Peter Hesp, Anne Cotterill 6 Sidney Perrin. Picture framing and restoration service.

OLD BLACKSMITHS GALLERY
Bridge Street, Dulverton, Somerset Tel: 0398 23699


The gallery exhibits the paintings of Ken Hildrew, John Cooksley, John Hoar and Sandy Lines which specialise in Exmoor and its wildlife, and displays a wide selection of contemporary prints and etchings by Anne Mortimer, Tania Short and Valerie Christmas.

REBECCA
Unit 3, The Tindle Centre, Tregonwell Road, Minehead Tel: 0643 707409

Decorative arts and crafts including woodwork, painting, fabrics and jewellery - mixed with antiques and bric-a-brac.

RIVERDEhl CRAFT WORKSHOP
Riverden Forge, Roadwater. Watchet, Somerset Tel: 0984 40648
Take the Roadwater road off the A39 at Washford, follow signs to Roadwater
village, fork right 400 yards past the Valiant Soldier.

Bill Poirrier is an artist/blacksmith and produces fire forged ironwork at his
forge at Riverden. Commissions undertaken. Margit Poirrier specialises in hand
made candles. Stella Poirrier spins wool and knits original garments.

Suan chairs
Exeham Farm, Exebridge, Dulverton, Somerset TA22 9AY Tel: 0398 23776
Find the Anchor Inn at Exebridge, cross the bridge and at the end of the bridge wall turn left - the workshop is 300 yards along the farm track.
John Lowday is a specialist maker of distinctive Celtic country furniture. Using British hardwoods, a range of chair designs based on the simplicity and durability of original Celtic patterns is complemented by a range of Crofters Tables and Dressers which can also be produced to fit individual requirements.

TWO RIVERS PAPER COMPANY
Pitt Mill, Roadwater, Watchet, Somerset TA23 0QS Tel: 0984 41028 Fax: 0984 40282
The mill is miles south-east of Roadwater on the Old Mineral Line, a lanewhich follows the route of the old Brendon Hills iron ore railway.

Jim Patterson produces fine hand made paper for watercolour painters and othe artists. The two ranges of papers produced in white and subtle tints an traditionally made from a cotton/linen mix, tub sized and loft dried, and an treated to resist ageing. Papers are available from the mill at full sheet size am as sampler packs.

VELLOW POTTERY AND SILKS
Lower Vellow, Williton, Taunton, Somerset TA4 4LS Tel: 0984 56458
The pottery/studio is the first building on the right in Vellow village. David Winkley produces a distinctive range of hand made stoneware pots for daily use, made for cooking, serving and storing; and individual pots in both stoneware and porcelain. Hand painted silks in beautiful colours and original designs are crafted into scarves, blouses, ties pictures and cards by Sibylle Wex. Special occasion outfits can be made to order.
Member of Devon Guild of Craftsmen.

PARK STREET POTTERY AND GALLERY
13a Park Street, Minehead, Somerset TA24 5NQ Tel: 0643 702753 Maureen Shearlaw
Unusual and exquisite handmade porcelain and stoneware made on the premises. Many pieces are enhanced with 24ct gold, lustres and enamels. Also hand blown glass, sculptural wood etc.
Member of the Devon Guild of Craftsmen.


QUANTOCK & SIMONSBATH POTTERIES
Simonsbath, Minehead, Somerset Tel: 0643 83443
. Inspired by local scenery and wildlife, Rod Billington offers a wide variety of relief-patterned stoneware pottery - casseroles, mugs, jugs, vases, lampbases and many other items for the home and kitchen. Quantock Pottery is at Chapel Cottage, West Bagborough, Taunton, Somerset.

RAMBLER STUDIO
Holford, Somerset TA5 IRY Tel: 0278 741315

Holford is signposted off the A39 between Williton and Bridgwater. The approach road runs between The Plough Inn and the Garage - keep left for 'A mile towards Holford Combe, the studio is signposted on a wall. Oeone Cave is an embroidery specialist, designing and making lamp shades, which are also available as complete individual lamps. She also supplies materials and is available for private and group tuition. Commissions undertaken. Member of The Devon Guild of Craftsmen.

HILARY ADAIR Near Minehead
Tel: 0643 85218 Painter and printmaker.
Examples of work can be seen at South West Arts Slide Library.
Elected to Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers.
First Prize winner at the Brewhouse Open Art Exhibition.

JENNY BARRON Watchet
Tel: 0984 633049
Watercolour paintings including botanical subjects, still life and trompe I'oeil.
A selection of work can be seen at The Little Gallery, Porlock Weir
Awarded the Silver Gilt Grenfell Medal for botanical artists by the Royal Horticultural Society. Member of the Society of Botanical Artists.

SONA BENNETT Stogumber
Tel: 0984 56219
Watercolours: land/seascapes. Oil Pastels: mainly of farm animals, especially pigs, and landscapes. Murals: realistic, romantic commissioned work. Collage with Acrylic and Oil Paintings. Compositions made from images of travels or experiences of a place. Has exhibited in London, Bristol, various galleries in the South West, and in Australia. Associate of the Royal College of Art.

MARILYN EWEN5 Crowcombe
Tel: 0984 8683 / 0984 62344 I
Landscapes of mainly local views in watercolour, pastels and oils. Line drawings to commission.

ROQER LARQE Roadwater_
Painter of abstracts in acrylic, oils and pastels. Widely exhibited in UK and mainland Europe, includingThe Royal Academy, The Barbican, London Contemporary Art, and one-man exhibitions in Bath, Plymouth and St. Ives. Paintings owned by Inde Coope, Austen/Desmond Fine Arts, British Petroleum. Mercury Communications, and IBM.
Life Painting Prize, Royal Academy, Landscape Prize, Royal College of Art. A.R.C.A.

ANQELA NEWBERRY Nettlecombe, near Monksilver
Tel: 0984 40496 Fax: 0984 41099
Printmaker - linocuts and silk screen prints of landscapes, wildlife and rainforests.
Examples of work can be seen at South West Arts Slide Library. Work exhibited internationally, London and Sydney, Australia galleries.

VERONICA NEWTON Stogumber
Tel: 0984 56314
Abstract ceramic sculpture using stoneware clay. Member of Somerset Guild of Craftsmen.

TERRY PILCHER Washford
Tel: 0984 40968
Painter in oils and watercolour of Exmoor and Cornwall landscapes and seascapes.
Widely exhibited, includingThe Royal Academy, The Royal West of England Academy and the New English Art Club. A.R.C.A.

QABRIELLA FALK Exton, Dulverton
Tel: 0643 85266
Textile artist - woven tapestry and mixed textile media. Work available from workshop or to commission. Sizes from small domestic to large scale public or commercial works. Bold designs, bright colours with dramatic use of shape and subject. Widely exhibited.Examples can be seen in South West Arts Slide Library. Member of South West Textile Group.

QILLIAN KINQ Bicknoller
Tel: 0984 56333
Traditional and modern calligraphy, illuminator and heraldic artist, who, when appropriate, decorates her work with flowers, figures or abstract design. Most work is by commission, but there are sometimes originals available for sale.Member of the Somerset Guild of Craftsmen, and Founder of the West Country Scribes.

ANNLEBAS Winsford, near Minehead,
Tel: 0643 85217Painter in oils and watercolour, engraver and printmaker. Exhibits at Somerset Guild of Craftsmen exhibitions, the Royal West of England Academy, and in London.Member of The Royal Society of Painter - Printmakers, The New English Art Club, The Artworkers' Guild (London) and The Somerset Guild of Craftsmen.

RACHEL RECKITT Rodhuish, West Somerset
Tel: 0984 40218Wood engraver, sculptor and painter.Has produced work for five Somerset churches, and can also be seen at Salford Art Gallery, the Fire and Iron Gallery, Leatherhead and Bridgwater Arts Centre.Honorary member of Somerset Guild of Craftsmen, Member of the British Artist Blacksmith's Association and the Society of Wood Engravers.

HELEN A. ST.LO STODDART
Crowcombe
Tel: 0984 8281
Bronze, bronze/resin and ceramic sculpture of mainly horses and dogs.Member of the Somerset Guild of Craftsmen.

QERALDINE VON BETHMANN-HOLLWEQ Nettlecombe, Near Monksilver Tel: 0984 40209 Fax: 0984 41 099 Designer and maker of jewellery, spoons, boxes, salt cellars and other pieces, in precious metals and Cloisonne enamel. Work can be seen at the Crafts Council Slide Library, London and is sold regularly at Crafts Council recommended galleries countrywide.

Contributed by: Jeremy James