Guild Listing

For just about every craft that people enjoy there is a corresponding guild or association. Many of these have been in existence for several decades and ensure the continuation and development of their craft as well as helping to maintain standards of excellence.

Becoming a member of a group has many advantages. It provides the opportunity for participants to get together to exchange ideas and promote their craft and, even more importantly, it offers the chance for sharing and companionship. Most craftspeople undertake their chosen pursuit in a state of splendid isolation, but there is no doubt another dimension is added when they meet with others who share a common interest and passion. It is stimulating being able to bounce ideas off one another and there is a lot of pleasure to be had from giving and receiving encouragement or just having a good old-fashioned ‘chat’. Many a long-standing friendship has had its beginnings at a guild meeting and some such friendships have gone on to be viable business partnerships.

Newsletters and magazines are another important means for keeping members in touch with each other and their craft, especially those who are isolated or housebound. They provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and up-to-date information on classes, workshops, forthcoming exhibitions, products and equipment.

The classes and workshops themselves may range from the very basic through to the most advanced information or innovative ideas and techniques. Many groups even offer correspondence courses and provide their members with access to reference material through their libraries and slide collections. Most guilds and associations pride themselves in the documentation of their craft, some of which is of historical importance and often not available anywhere else.

Finally, the culmination of belonging to a group is the opportunity to take part in an exhibition, where members have the chance to view and display their work alongside that of their peers. What could be more exciting than the shared experience of enjoying your craft?