cotswold ARTS & CRAFTS tours

Art& Crafts are very prevalent in the Cotswolds. There is so much to see around the Cotswolds from the traditional at Rodmarton and Kelmscott manors to the traditional skills of thatching, wall building, and hedge cutting & laying . The Cotswolds have derived so much wealth and influence from Sheep production particularly during the Middle Ages with sheep playing a very important historical role over the centuries.

WOOL

Cotswold Lions

In the Middle Ages, The Cotswolds were renowned throughout Europe as the source of the best Wool coming from the Cotswold “Lions”. Abbeys and Monasteries raised huge flocks of these Lions, native to the Cotswolds with their golden long fleeces. Merchants became rich and spent much money on the wool churches as well as building fine house for themselves. One of many fascinating places to visit is the Cotswold Woolen Weavers just south of Burford.

GIFFORDS CIRCUS

Giffords Circus is a traditional magical Village Green circus that tours the Cotswolds throughout the summer. Established in 2000 Giffords Circus is a small circus company, founded and run by Nell and Toti Gifford. “ I held the jewel of my childhood up to my eye and through it I saw ponies and a dressing up box and a tent and that was Giffords Circus” Nell Gifford.

YELLOW HAT TRIBE

The Yellow Hat Tribe, the gallery with a difference, bursting with vitality,colour and sunshine, full of bright,humorous and exciting paintings created by artist Irene Tyack, see the artist painting in the Studio/gallery, based on an Ostrich Farm, a good place to view the ostrich and maybe some little chicks.

ARTS & CRAFTS

The Cotswolds became an important centre for the Arts and Crafts Movement in the early 20th century. Craftsmen and women followed in William Morris’ footsteps, whose country home was at Kelmscott Manor, and settled in villages throughout the Cotswolds and Gloucestershire. To such places as Owlpen Manor and Rodmarton Manor. William Morris has left an indelible mark on the world of art and design in the UK. The designs of Morris & Co. are still in production whilst the principles of the Arts and Crafts Movement continue to influence new generations of craftsmen and designers. the migration of craftsmen continued in In 1902 when C.R Ashbee moved his Guild of Handicraft from the East End London to Chipping Campden. The Hart Silversmith workshops, in the photograph above, are still running today and can be visited during working hours.

NEW BREWERY ARTS

New Brewery Arts is the home of arts and craft in the Cotswolds with galleries, artists’studios, café, and shop and guest accommodation, and an extensive programme of courses and workshops. Come and explore craft and creativity. You can see unique items created by extraordinary craftspeople.The studios offer a rare opportunity to meet makers and buy beautifully crafted work direct from independent artists. You can browse an exceptional selection of work by some of the UK’s leading craft makers in the galleries.Also visit the Craft Shop which sells beautifully hand-crafted items.

PHOTOGRAPHY IN THE COTSWOLDS

When thinking about the Cotswolds, it’s easy to run out of superlatives to describe the beauty. Famous for its distinctive landscape, honey-colored cottages, beautiful countryside and woodland, Ancient Churches, and Grand Manor Houses there is so much to photograph. Specific Photographic days can be arranged to combine with a tour to take advantage of some of the most gorgeous spots the Cotswolds has to offer. If tuition is required, a special photographic tour can be arranged in conjunction with Alastair Currill a professional photographer in Bourton on the Water.

BEST COTSWOLD ART & CRAFT TOURS