You are invited to step into the world of bespoke, handmade crafts this summer when Grandey’s Place Heritage & Craft Centre near Bishop’s Stortford opens its beautifully appointed studios and workshops to the public on Sunday June 30, writes Helen Miller.
Set deep in the Hertfordshire countryside between Stortford and Much Hadham, Grandey’s Place is home to some of the UK’s finest craftspeople, who specialise in crafts such as globemaking, lettercarving, ceramic sculpture, corsetry, millinery and much more.
Among the community of exceptionally talented craftspeople demonstrating their skills will be stained glass and leaded lights specialist Tom Vowden, who this year carried out conservation work on windows at Tower Bridge in London, adding to his impressive portfolio of restoration projects that includes York Minster and the Palace of Westminster.
You will also have the chance to meet Seth Kennedy, the centre’s resident antiquarian horologist and pocket watch expert, who recently took part in an exciting project to restore The Bowes Museum’s celebrated 18th-century clockwork silver swan automaton after its fragile mechanisms broke down during lockdown.
Since last year’s open day, Grandey’s Place has welcomed three new superb craftspeople - globemaker and conservator Jonathan Wright, woodturner and furniture maker Louis Craig Carpenter and Genevieve Sweeney, a luxury knitwear designer with a passion for heritage craft, British manufacturing and responsible slow fashion.
With so many different artists and makers to visit, there really is something for everyone at Grandey’s Place. The summer open day runs from 10am to 5pm and is free to attend.
If you are coming by car, it is essential that you reserve a free parking slot online at www.grandeysplace.co.uk. No pre-booking is required for visitors arriving by public transport, on foot or by bike.
If you are unable to attend the open day, Grandey’s Place also runs small group tours on the first Wednesday of most months (July, August and January excepted).