[T]he Preview Evening of this year’s 40th Craftsmen at the Priory event (8 August) in the Dacre Hall at Lanercost Priory attracted a great crowd of enthusiasts (and buyers) and proved one of the most successful ever. Work created by fifteen craftsmen (and women), artists and designer makers has taken over the Dacre Hall for the next four weeks and sales on the first night were encouraging.
“The exhibition is all about providing a showcase as well as a shop window for beautiful work,” says Tricia Meynell of Castle Carrock, a fine art and abstract photographer and one of the organising team. “Visitors to the Preview Evening have the extra incentive of a 10% discount as well. It was great to celebrate our 40th birthday with lots of familiar faces as well as some new visitors and comments since the event have been really encouraging for the month ahead.”
A group of craftspeople has been exhibiting in the Dacre Hall since 1978 and the occasion was marked with a cake, made by one of the core group, Christina Hargraves, who is a watercolour artist. Live music was provided by three local young musicians and members of the artists‘ families were recruited to help serve refreshments to guests.
“All in all, it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening and a great start to this year’s exhibition,” concluded Tricia.
The Craftsmen at the Priory 2018 exhibition runs in the historic Dacre Hall at Lanercost until Tuesday 4 September and is open every day from 10am to 5pm with a £1 entry fee.
For the latest information about Craftsmen at the Priory for 2018, see the website at www.cumbriacrafts.co.uk and Follow the group on Facebook @Craftsmen-at-the-Priory.