Farnham Pottery opened the door on a world of craft at the official launch of October Craft Month on Saturday by Kate Malone MBE from BBC’s Great Pottery Throw Down.

The launch, which was also attended by the Mayor of Farnham and Dame Magdalene Odundo was followed by an afternoon of free workshops at Farnham Pottery which included lino print, pottery and drawing. Kate Malone inspired visiting crafters with a speech about the importance of craft and its positive link to mental health. 

Councillor Alan Earwaker, Mayor of Farnham says: “The theme for this year’s Craft Month is ‘A world of craft on our doorstep’ and that’s certainly what we saw on Saturday. 

“As well as attending the launch at Farnham Pottery, I had the honour of opening the Making Matters pop up shop in the Lion & Lamb Yard with Dame Magdalene Odundo who is the patron of Farnham World Craft Town and Chancellor at UCA. The shop is open from now until Christmas Eve, with shoppers able to buy high quality, hand-made arts and crafts made by local artists.”

The launch of Craft Month coincided with the opening of several exhibitions taking place across Farnham throughout October. The Bush is hosting a celebration of craft behind doors in and around Farnham and there is a photography exhibition at The Kiln Village. There is also a display of work by Ukrainian artists at St Andrew’s Church. All proceeds from the sale of artwork will go to the Ukrainian refugee charity KUKHNIA.

October Craft Month includes 100 craft-themed events for people to enjoy. The full programme can be viewed at www.farnhamcrafttown.com.