After its 18mth enforced absence this prestigious and much-loved craft event returns. The GNCCF will welcome visitors to its 14th edition in its new home of Victoria Baths, Manchester’s iconic historic heritage attraction.
For those of you that don’t know the iconic building, it is widely recognised as the most remarkable and high-quality example of a municipal public baths. Built 1903-06 of brick and terracotta, it is very much a building of its period, with strong art nouveau influences apparent throughout, particularly in the decorative finishes. There are over 100 stained glass windows throughout the building.
Manchester City Council decided it had to close Victoria Baths in 1993 and for the six years following closure, the building deteriorated rapidly. The campaign to try and prevent closure of the Baths became the Friends of Victoria Baths and a charitable trust – the Victoria Baths Trust – was set up with the aim of fully restoring the building.
Thankfully Victoria Baths has been partially restored, thanks to £5m in total which has been raised from a number of sources, by far the biggest being a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund as a result of us winning the BBC’s Restoration programme in 2003.
The award-winning Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair is an annual opportunity to buy some genuinely individual pieces direct from the artists – for yourself, your home or a special gift. Not only will you be buying unique and beautiful work of an exceptional standard, but you will also be helping support the craft community.
Buy your advance tickets now and sign up to the great northern mailing list for the chance to win exclusive invites to the GNCCF Preview Evening and £100 to spend at the fair.
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Thanks, and I hope to see you soon.
Jo