Crafts Council

The Crafts Council formed its own collection in 1972, a year after the Crafts Council, (then known as the Crafts Advisory Committee) was established. The first objects acquired for the Collection date from the time of the British Potters' Exhibition, when pieces by such potters as Bernard Leach, Hans Coper and Lucie Rie were purchased. The Crafts Council continues to acquire work annually and currently has over 1400 objects spanning all the main media including: ceramics, glass, metal, jewellery, furniture, textiles, wood, baskets, automata, calligraphy, lettering and bookbinding. The Council defines the word ‘craft’ in its broadest sense, ranging from cutting-edge design to fine art. Acquisition of new work for the collection is governed by criteria set out in its Acquisition Policy. All acquisition of new work is based on suggestions put forward by a network of specialist advisors all of whom work within a craft environment. Regular exhibitions are organised or held by the Council and artists who are members or who have shown there and or are in the collection include Ruth Franklin, Jill Crowley, Peter Green, Katherine Virgils, Brian Illsley, Sam Smith, Breon O’Casey, Richard Kindersley and Paul Astbury.