Northern Art Workers Guild

This Guild was modelled on the London-based Art Workers' Guild for the purpose of bringing Arts and Crafts enthusiasts together and holding exhibitions. It was founded in 1896 in Manchester, the brain-child of artist Walter Crane. A committee was appointed and architect Edgar Wood (1860-1935) consented to act as the Honorary Secretary. The Guild's first major exhibition, showing work by members and entitled 'Arts & Crafts' was held at the Manchester City Art Gallery in September-October 1898. The poster for the exhibition, designed by Elizabeth Ellen Houghton was illustrated in 'The Studio' in November of that year. The second exhibition of work by Guild members was mounted at the same venue in 1903. Members included artists, architects and craftsmen such as Charles Henry Bishop, Alfred Ernest Bramley, James Robert Cooper, Frederick William Jackson, Thomas Stirling Lee, John Jarvis Millson, Edward Schwabe, James Smithies, Hugh Wallis and architects and town planners Richard Barry Parker and Raymond Unwin. The Northern Guild appears to have disbanded c.1911.

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