Saturday October 4th, 10.00am-4.00pm
Marking five years since Farnham achieved World Craft Town status, this day-long event, held in the beautiful setting of Frensham Heights School, celebrates the inspiring craft within the town and region, and includes workshops, talks and demonstrations. The themes for the opening event are taken from the Crafts Study Centre exhibition Fluidity and Inscription which focusses on mark making and writing.
We celebrate letters, calligraphy, craft and communication with expert speakers, craftspeople and lots of opportunities to have a go.
Throughout the day, there will be plenty of opportunities to meet local makers and buy their wares, watch as they create their work and even have a go yourself. And when you need a break, there will be food and drink, music and plenty to look at.
Read on to find out what will be on offer, plan your day and to book craft workshops. We can’t wait to see you there!
Family friendly drop-in sessions throughout the day
- Letterpress and linocut printmaking with Katharine from Cold Ash Press
- Hands-on craft sessions with the art team at Frensham Heights
- Try your hand at printmaking with Ochre Print
- Make your mark: expressive large scale mark making
- Help to decorate a giant lantern for the Lantern Festival
- Join The Big Draw from 10.30-12.30. No-one is too young or too old to have a go!
Demonstrations
10.00-12.30: Mary Noble
Drop in to watch Mary Noble demonstrate calligraphy techniques and see examples of her work. Mary is a renowned calligrapher, the author of several how-to calligraphy books, and an experienced calligraphy teacher.
2-4.30pm: Matthew Loughlin
Matthew Loughlin is one of the emerging talents within the field of letter cutting and stone carving. He will be demonstrating these traditional skills on a standing easel and will bring some examples of work.
These talks and demonstrations by outstanding craftspeople are supported by the Society of Scribes and Illuminators and the Irene Wellington Educational Trust
Talk
12.30-2pm: Ewan Clayton in conversation with Rosalind Wyatt.
Join us for a conversation between one of the best-known calligraphers in the UK, Ewan Clayton, and Rosalind Wyatt, an artist who originally trained in calligraphy, but now explores lettering and writing in embroidery, film, design and fashion. The conversation will touch on writing across different materials, how material shapes communication, the mobilisation of the body when writing, and the role of imagination in mark making.
This lively discussion will be chaired by Stephen Knott, the Director of the Crafts Study Centre. This event is free, but space is limited.
Book your space here: https://www.csc.uca.ac.uk/programme/14/8/2025/ewan-clayton-in-conversation-with-rosalind-wyatt
Bookable workshops
Japanese Calligraphy with Nao Fukumoto 11am-12pm
Experience the traditional art of Japanese calligraphy using brush and ink on washi paper and finish off with a mini hand fan to take home. Family friendly.
Make a Personal Hanko (stamp) with Nao Fukumoto 12.30 – 1.30pm
A Hanko is a small stamp with a personal seal used for signing important documents in Japan. Nao will walk you through a brief history of seals in Japan and show you examples before teaching you how to carve your own simple Hanko to take home. Family friendly. 9+.
Expressive Transfer Drawing 2-3pm
Learn how to create interesting lines and textures using drawing and transfer media. These techniques can be applied to a variety of projects from making cards to larger artworks, or just for fun! Suitable for beginners to advanced practitioners. Family friendly.
Lino Print with Lindsey Southworth 11am-12pm
Curious about Lino printing? Come along to our fun, hands-on taster session and try your hand at carving a simple design to print and take home. A perfect intro if you’re looking to learn a new craft and get creative! Family friendly.
Creative Stitched Lettering 2-3pm
Try your hand at simple, creative hand stitching and bring a letter to life on fabric. Whether you’re into colour, pattern, or totally new to stitch, come and have a go! During the workshop you will stitch your own, or a friend’s, initial to take home. Family friendly. 9+.
Book now to secure your space: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/farnham-craft-month-launch-4558933
All workshops are £10 for adults and £5 for children
How to get there
The event is taking place around the Art and Design Centre, adjacent to the Aldridge Theatre at Frensham Heights School, Rowledge, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 4EA
Postcode for sat nav is GU10 4EA. Please check the last mile of the journey with a route map as some navigation systems attempt to direct drivers to the former gatehouse. The turning to Frensham Heights road is 500m East from this point. There is ample parking, including parking for disabled drivers, at the Aldridge Theatre.
If you are arriving at Farnham Station, a minibus service will be running to the event regularly during the day.