John Harlow, Associations

In the spring/summer of 1984 a group of ten or so craftspeople in Somerset got together to found a co-operative craft gallery in Taunton's historic Bath Place. For various reasons I stayed for only one year, but rejoined in 1998. In 1999 the association moved to much larger premises literally next door - this has about 100 sq metres of display space including an exhibition area for visiting artists and craftsmen. There are a few other co-operative ventures of this type in the UK but Makers is one of the oldest and the most successful. I keep a large selection of my work in Makers and can be found manning the shop on the last day of every month; for my sins I am the Treasurer!! Makers 6 Bath Place Taunton Somerset TA1 4ER 01823 251121

The Somerset Guild of Craftsmen was founded in 1933 to promote the crafts in the county of Somerset. There are some 70 or so full craft members and a number of associates. I have served the Guild for many years both as a committee member and Master of the Guild - I was most recently Master from 1999 to 2001. Guild Galleries can be found at both Somerton and Dunster - opening times etc can be found from the Guild website. I keep a smaller range of my work at the Somerton Gallery.