Sunny Bank Mills opened its Christmas Fair on Friday afternoon. Ivor Hughes was there with his camera.
The fair is striking in three ways. First, the size. Sixty-one exhibitors, most with substantial stands. Secondly, the variety of crafts on display, many tweaked with Christmas in mind. Thirdly, and unlike elsewhere, stalls are not merely retail outlets for warehouse goods. Stallholders are directly involved in the design and/or manufacture of the goods they have on offer.
There is, inevitably, some repetition among the crafts on display. So don’t buy all your greetings cards or fabrics at the first stalls you visit – you may find be more suitable displays round the corner.
Each and every stallholder I approached, around twenty, was full of information and advice. Far too much to put into captions here – not if this is to be published before next Christmas …
Of special note, and with respect to them all, here are the ones that stood out that afternoon, particularly where details are not apparent from the images.
John Hollington Design’s nest boxes are unique architectural pieces and were included in a Silver-Gilt winning garden at RHS Chelsea 2023.
Victoria Oatway of Bobbie Print produces uniquely designed prints and cards printed using the risograph process, essentially a photocopying where each colour is individually applied. Bold results.
Test Gin & Cocktail Bar was displaying a range of Christmas gins. They couldn’t be more local – the gin is distilled on-site. They were also giving details on their New Year’s Eve menu – timed so as not to compete for the midnighters.
Tall Paul Kelly’s Screenprinted Posters includes one made for and used by The Hepworth, Wakefield. Tall Paul earned that commission by winning an earlier competition.
Conclusion – fascinating and worthwhile, Allow yourselves at least two hours.
But beware. The stallholders change for Sunday – maybe a reason for a second visit?
Here’s a slideshow of his photos:
