History of The Guild of Herefordshire Craftsmen
The Guild Today
The Guild itself consists of Craftsmen/women, Associates and Honorary Members. The qualifications for a craft worker
would be that he/she earns a living by their craft and shall have attained a standard of skill accepted as suitable by
the Committee. An annual subscription would be payable by all participating members. All of these points are followed to this day.
The number of active members has fluctuated over the years, but the Guild boasts a large selection of crafts to show to the public
and is always keen to seek new members. It is evident that many of the traditional crafts have been lost to modern technology.
Some crafts from the early membership included wheelwrighting, thatching, cleaving and stonemasonry. Even though these crafts are
still sought, their presence at shows is rare. Our active membership and that of any craft group together with interest from
the general public at shows and exhibitions, is the mainstay of today’s Craft workers. Public support, admiration and comments
are invaluable to craftspeople in determining the design and production of their goods.
Evolution of the Guild
However, since the Millennium, some things have changed. The Guild has been motivated and encouraged to put ideas and views
forward for discussion. A new logo has been launched to coincide with a more modern style of display. A leaflet is produced each
year, listing all current members’ details and the forthcoming programme of events.
The other changes to the Guild have been, replacing the existing Court with a Committee. The Master has now become Chairman.
The one thing that will hopefully never change is the title of the Guild.
Long Service
In 1967, Roger Allsebrook (a non-craftsman member) joined the Guild as first Warden; today he is still the current Treasurer.
The current President is Mrs Chris Bucknell. Her father was a former Master of the Guild. There are also several Honorary members;
some who are relatives of members who are sadly no longer with us: the Guild is very grateful for their continued support.
Encouraging new Craftspeople
The Guild offers a twelve month sponsorship to at least three Graduates, from The Hereford College of Art and Design, each year.
The aim of this is to provide free and subsidized exhibiting space at the start of their career, and also the benefit of help and
advice from Guild members who have many years of experience between them.
The Future...
In the years ahead, no doubt the Guild will continue to evolve and change shape as new members join, crafts will diversify,
new skills and new crafts will be discovered.
Home