Where is it?
Manchester Craft and Design Centre is a five minute walk from the Arndale on Oak Street in the Northern Quarter.
0161 832 4274
History
Manchester Craft and Design Centre is home to individual craft makers, each with a passion for craft and design. Once the Victorian fish and poultry market, the venue has since blossomed into a creative art and craft sanctuary with 19 working studios where 35 artists, designers and craftspeople demonstrate their skills and sell their work six times a week.
The creative buzz of the centre has remained as the Northern Quarter has grown to become the buzzling hub of bars and coffee shops we know today. It’s no surprise the centre is now a lot busier than it was 30 years ago, with more people discovering it through word of mouth and social media.
What does it sell?
Inside, you’ll find many independent shops with a personal artistic touch to each. Each shop sells handmade gifts which shoppers can in many cases see being made. This gives the range of contemporary ceramics, jewellery, paintings and textiles much more meaning and sentiment as you wander round, taking it all in.
Shops of note:
RA Designer Jewellery: Handmade jewellery towers to the ceiling here. Anne Rowson has been at the craft centre since 1986, opting for the artistic hive surrounded by likeminded creatives. She sells handmade bespoke engagement and wedding rings, which give a personal touch to your proposal and wedding day. The stunning collection has been selected from some of Britain's leading contemporary designers who you will see working at the bench, creating fine pieces from a range of precious metals and stones.
Anne believes the centre is a must-visit for those looking for something affordable and different.
She said: “People tend to think the gifts will be expensive as they’re all handmade by myself and other British jewellers, but they are usually pleasantly surprised when they discover the prices. I now call the craft centre my second home as it’s such a friendly and inspiring place and that is what it really feels like”.
Studio 4: Lee Page Hanson shares Studio 4 with contemporary jewellery designer Colette Hazelwood. Lee sells beautiful bright ceramics in all different shapes and sizes from square tiles to large round bowls. He set up shop at the centre in 2000 and now develops and refines his range of ceramics there, experimenting in both functional and more sculptural forms.
Prices range from £16 -£200 depending on the size and detail of the piece.
Lee said: “These types of gifts create a talking point; there is always a story behind unique gifts like these. You are purchasing a gift where you can see where your money is going and the effort that’s put into the creation of the gift.”
Lily Greenwood: Walk into Lily Greenwood and you’ll be taken aback by the bright colours and gorgeous paintings on each of the walls. Explore the shop further, and you’ll notice some paintings have also been adapted into badges, paper weights and postcards. Lily Greenwood has been at the craft centre for seven years, selling paintings and smaller gifts aimed at homemakers and those after sweet and affordable keepsakes.
There are of course many other craft and design shops at the centre. Click here for the full list. There’s also a coffee shop full of homemade food, for when your legs start to ache.
Verdict
This place will take your breath away. The bright, pure interior is a far cry from the mucky looking brick exterior and the whole place has the heart and soul that’s so often missing from high street retailers. With so much character and interest under one roof it’ll leave you feeling appreciative of the wealth of talent in the city. Make a day of it.
