MANCHESTER Craft & Design Centre (MCDC) is home to 35 talented artists and designer-makers in the city, each offering up their unique work, ranging from jewellery, accessories, clothing, furniture, lighting, textiles, ceramics, photography and painting.
The show features different creative responses to the fascinating history of the iconic building in the Northern Quarter, which was for many years a fish and poultry market.
This year, MCDC celebrates its 30th birthday and a specially commissioned Crafting History exhibition will run until 10 November to mark the years of work taken to create the now award-winning centre for craft making and retail.
The show features different creative responses to the fascinating history of the iconic building in the Northern Quarter, which was for many years a fish and poultry market.
Twenty-six makers from the centre have produced one-off pieces inspired by the unique architecture, historical facts and personal anecdotes, and these are also being showcased in the free exhibition. All items designed by the resident makers for Crafting History will be available to buy at an auction and special event on 8 November 2012 (6-8pm).
A Maker In MCDC
The exhibition also features many images of the building’s past, which are proving popular with those who remember its previous incarnation as a fish market as well as those who are interested in the social and architectural history of Manchester. It also explains MCDC’s own timeline and development, from its humble beginnings in 1982 to its current position as a go-to hub for unusual and one-off pieces.
Dena Bagi, MCDC Exhibitions and Events Officer, said: “The Crafting History exhibiting makers have really done our history justice. I was thrilled to see such a varied approach to the exhibition brief, to creatively respond to Manchester Craft & Design Centre’s history. Jewellers have made the Centre’s Victorian architecture wearable, ceramicists have frozen memories in time and paper artists have represented the community sprit here at the Centre. It has been an honour to be involved in displaying such thoughtful works.
“The charity auction which follows the exhibition will provide a way for these memories to live on in people’s front rooms or jewellery collections. The auction marks an important point for Manchester Craft & Design Centre, as we stop looking back into our past and move into our future.”
Manchester Craft & Design Centre, 17 Oak Street, Manchester M4 5JD. 0161 832 4274.
Open Mon–Sat, 10am–5.30pm
Closed Sundays and Bank Holidays. Free admission
