| Defunct: | 1974 |
| Type: | Craft organisation |
| Purpose: | To preserve, promote and improve fine craftsmanship in Great Britain[1] |
| Headquarters: | 35 South King Street, Manchester, M2 4LG[2] |
| Leader Name: | Harry Norris |
| Northern Crafts Centre Ltd | |
| Region Served: | United Kingdom |
Northern Crafts Centre Ltd was first Registered as a charity 7 March 1963 and removed from the Register of Charities 6 April 1993 as it had ceased to exist by that point.[3]
The Northern Crafts Centre had a strong association with the Red Rose Guild of Designer Craftsmen with most of their exhibitions for many years, including some permanent stock being held in a retail premises.[4] The Membership of Margaret Pilkington on the Council of Management is fundamental to this association.[5] [6] However much of this history appears to have been lost to time.[7] It was established as a Not for profit organisation, seeking to promote good craftsmanship and enable commissioning of works.[8]
The ticketed opening by Colonel William Loris Mather OBE, MC, TD, ADC, DL was 11 September 1963 at 4pm, he was Chairman of the Civic Trust for the North West.[9] [10]
The Northern Crafts Centre closed in 1974 following the death of a number of key individuals, the first chairman, Harry Norris died in April 1968.[11]
In addition to specific exhibitions an ongoing exhibition of arts and crafts took place. Most advertising did not name specific artists, although sometimes available from articles and other sources.
| Start Date | End Date | Exhibition | Known Artists | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 Sep 1963 | Ongoing till 1974 | Red Rose Guild of Craftsmen - Opening Exhibition[12] | Not Known | |
| 15 Dec 1963 | 21 Dec 1963 | Special Gifts Display[13] | Not Known | |
| 13 May 1964 | 06 Jun 1964 | Red Rose Guild of Craftsmen Spring Exhibition[14] [15] | Mary Farmer, Stanislas Reychan, Geoffrey Whiting | |
| 24 Aug 1964 | Sept 1964 | Three Northern Potters[16] | D Clarkson, Derek Emms, L F Matthews | |
| 23 Oct 1964 | 26 Nov 1964 | Red Rose Guild of Craftsmen - Autumn Exhibition[17] | Derek Emms, Mary Farmer |