Central Devon MP Mel Stride visited MAKE Southwest last week to find out more about the huge contribution this unique local craft education charity makes to the Bovey Tracey economy.
MAKE Southwest (formerly Devon Guild of Craftsmen) is an acclaimed exhibition space for contemporary craft and design, as well as a leading charity for craft education which attracts 150,000 visitors a year.
Founded in 1955 as the Devon Guild of Craftsmen, MAKE Southwest moved into their current home at Riverside Mill in the 1980s, and have been successful in regaining their Arts Council National Portfolio status for 2023-26.
One of their latest exhibitions, PULP, is an international exhibition, including work from over 30 artists, which showcases paper in all its forms. Each piece varies in size, and ranges from hyper realistic plant replicas, to whole suits of armour made from a single sheet of paper.
Mel Stride, MP for Central Devon and Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said: “I was really impressed by the arts and crafts on display at MAKE Southwest.
“It was great to see how traditional artisan methods are being developed and reinterpreted to produce contemporary craft and design.”
Laura Wasley, Make Southwest CEO, said: “It was great to welcome Mel and showcase what we are doing at MAKE Southwest.
“Our exhibition space in Bovey Tracey is a fantastic place to celebrate creativity and bring people together. We want to encourage more people from across the South West to come and use it to support, make and learn about contemporary craft.”
As well as their work locally, MAKE Southwest also support crafts people across Devon to build their own businesses.
For those interested in visiting or getting involved with MAKE Southwest, more information can be found at www.makesouthwest.org.uk
