An art installation has been unveiled in the Evelyn Borelli Memorial Garden and signifies the conclusion of a community-wide project which began during last year’s Craft Month. 

Guests gathered to see the Mayor of Farnham, Councillor Alan Earwaker reveal ‘A Fishy Tale of Farnham’. The brick installation of curiosities and oddities was the idea of Making Matters, a collective of craft-makers. Hundreds of members of the community, from artists, crafts people and students, to local schools, care homes and shops contributed to the sculpture by carving individual designs onto raw bricks which were then fired. 

The unveiling was followed by the opening of the Making Matters pop-up shop in the Lion & Lamb Yard which signalled the start of October Craft Month 2021. Renowned ceramicist and Chancellor of The University of Creative Arts Dame Magdalene Odundo gave a speech and spoke about the importance of craft as a tool to describe our personal experiences and identification. She said: ”We make objects and objects represent who we are as human beings. They tell our history, our past, present and future. When you look at archaeology and anthropology, the first thing they ever teach to actually tell us about ourselves is through objects made by human beings.”

Speaking after the unveiling, Councillor Alan Earwaker, Mayor of Farnham said: “The community art project symbolises Farnham’s status as England’s first World Craft Town and is a wonderful example of how craft brings the community together. It seems very fitting that the sculpture was unveiled at the start of October Craft Month. 

“Throughout October, there is a comprehensive programme for beginners who want to try their hand at craft for the first time, activities for more experienced crafters and makers plus a whole host of exhibitions, markets, festivals and outdoor activities.”

There are a mix of free and paid for activities taking place throughout the month. These include the Festival of Crafts at Farnham Maltings, the north Farnham art trail, workshops where you will be shown how to weave a chicken from willow through to learning how to make a macrame dog lead! 

As a World Craft Town, Farnham aims to encourage and support professional development. On 20 October, to celebrate the founding of the Crafts Study Centre, Alison Britton, the Chair of the Centre will give a special birthday lecture on the story and study of craft and its importance to Farnham.

The October Craft Month brochure which includes a listing of all events and details about how to book can be downloaded from www.farnhamcrafttown.com or picked up from public information points around Farnham.