Joining the Fold….
I am delighted to share some wonderful news: I have officially joined Peak District Artisans (www.peakdistrictartisans.co.uk). The journey to reach this point has been both rewarding and deeply validating for my work at the workbench. Selection for membership takes place just three times a year—in February, May, and October—where applicant portfolios undergo a peer review by a panel of established artists and contemporary designer-makers. Submitting my handmade boxes to be evaluated alongside some of the region’s finest craftspeople was equal parts nerve-wracking and exciting. Box making relies on exact precision, tactile quality, and seamless functionality, so having my pieces recognized by such a distinguished panel feels like a major milestone in my career. Being welcomed into the collective provides a fantastic platform to showcase my work to a wider audience while connecting with fellow creators who share a true passion for heritage skills and fine craftsmanship.
A Heritage of Excellence: The History of Peak District Artisans
Founded in 1991, Peak District Artisans (PDA) has grown over more than three decades into a highly acclaimed association of professional fine artists, designer-makers, and contemporary craftspeople based in and around the Derbyshire Peak District. The group was established under the patronage of Deborah Cavendish, Dowager Duchess of Devonshire, with the clear vision of uniting and championing exceptional creative talent across the region. That proud legacy continues today under the presidency of the Earl of Burlington, who took over the role in 2006. Built upon the core ethos of “Individual Creativity • Collective Excellence”, the group encompasses a rich array of disciplines—from fine art, textiles and jewellery to woodworking, furniture, ceramics and glass. What truly sets PDA apart is its uncompromising commitment to quality: members are carefully vetted not only for their distinctive style, but also for their high standards of professional practice and mastery of their chosen medium.
Bringing Craft to Life: Showcase Events & Exhibitions
A central pillar of the Peak District Artisans experience is its vibrant annual calendar of group exhibitions and public events. Throughout the year, members exhibit collectively at landmark regional heritage sites, historic venues, and prestigious art and craft fairs. High-profile highlights include the annual Great Dome Art Fair at the historic Devonshire Dome in Buxton, seasonal showcases in the Stable Block at Chatsworth House, and curated exhibitions within the elegant Assembly Rooms of the Buxton Crescent Hotel. The collective also hosts pop-up features and trail events at picturesque locations across the region, such as Hopton Hall and the Haddon Hall estate. Beyond providing an unforgettable backdrop for visitors, these events offer craft enthusiasts and collectors a rare opportunity to meet the makers directly, inspect the quality and feel of handmade pieces up close, discuss bespoke commissions, and acquire original work straight from local workshops.
Looking Ahead: Why I am Proud to Be a Member
Ultimately, becoming a member of Peak District Artisans is about far more than simply expanding my reach or securing space at upcoming fairs. Box making can often be a solitary pursuit—spending long, quiet hours in the workshop selecting timber, cutting joints, fitting hinges, and hand-finishing projects. Joining the PDA has been like being invited into a warm, generous community of like-minded artisans who actively support, inspire, and elevate one another. To stand shoulder-to-shoulder with award-winning furniture makers, master ceramicists, jewellers, and artists whose work I have long admired is immensely humbling. I am profoundly grateful to be part of an organisation that nurtures local craft heritage while celebrating original design. I look forward to exhibiting my latest boxes at our upcoming group events, taking on exciting new commissions, and growing alongside this remarkable community for years to come.
