Since 1902, exquisite silver artworks have been created in an historic silk mill in Chipping Campden, at the same time as 50 members of the Guild of Handicraft left London for a new creative base
Treasure: Wealth or riches stored or accumulated, anything valued and preserved as precious, especially in the form of precious metals.
It was in this year that English architect and designer Charles Robert Ashbee, a dedicated follower of the Arts and Crafts movement, brought the Guild of Handicraft to Chipping Campden from London. In May 1902, Ashbee and the younger Guildsmen arrived at Moreton-in-Marsh train station and cycled across the hills, freewheeling into Chipping Campden. Some 50 Guildsmen and their families arrived that summer, along with their workshop equipment.
‘Many of the craftsmen from the Guild went their separate ways in 1908, but George, my great grandfather, established his silversmith business here in this workshop with three other partners, whilst his brother took on woodcarving,’ says Julian Hart.
‘Nothing much has changed since then. We are still doing what we did 100 years ago, using the same tools, same workshop, same workbenches.’
The only difference is the people who work here. Instead of George and his colleagues, a century later it is the third and fourth generation of the family – notably George’s grandson David Hart (86) and great grandsons William (David’s son) and Julian (David’s nephew). Also working with the Harts is Derek Elliott, one of David’s former apprentices who joined the workshop after leaving Chipping Campden School in the 1980s.
‘Most of our commissions come from people who don’t necessarily have much silver at home but want to mark a special occasion or create a family heirloom,’ says Julian.
His partner Caroline Richardson also works on site, creating stunning bespoke contemporary jewellery in her studio next to the silversmith workshop.
This wonderful timeless workshop is a treasure. Not only do the silversmiths here produce treasures made from precious metal, but they also represent a treasure of the past – a high quality skill that continues today.
Many civic buildings of Chipping Campden and surrounding churches house many treasures made by Harts and other Guild associates, including everything from processional crosses, alter sets, staffs, chalices and candlesticks to commemorative plaques and war memorials.
It is a nod to the artisans and craftsmen of yesteryear, but it is a celebration of those who continue to create and use their own artistry to make useful and beautiful things today.
Regular exhibitions are held featuring the work of four members with and opportunities to attend ‘Meet the Maker’ events to chat with the headline artists. Season of Mists and Mellow Fruitfulness, featuring the work of Peter Lovelock, Bridget Steel-Jessop, Mary Day, and Louise Regan, runs until Wednesday, November 13, followed by the annual ‘Christmas Show,’ (November 15-December 24) a festive exhibition of work by all co-operative members.
Landscape photographer Kate Barry is a founding member of the gallery. A former college lecturer, Kate has won awards in landscape, urban, garden and travel photography competitions, both nationally and internationally and creates images that explore the relationships between sky and land, light and form, with atmospheric impact.
Chipping Campden has such a rich history of craftmanship which extends beyond studios and workshops. This includes the artistry of coffee, bread, entrepreneurial ventures, and creative independent businesses who are all masters of their own trade. Next door to The Gallery at the Guild, is Campden Coffee, which has been here since 2004 and is now in the capable hands of Stefania Bellorini, who bought the business earlier this year. I catch her as she puts a delicious apple and blackberry gluten-free sponge into the oven.
‘Chipping Campden has such lovely architecture, beautiful walks… there is Dover’s Hill (where the quirky Cotswold Olimpick Games take place), the church is stunning, and nearby there is a hidden garden which is really lovely,’ says Louise.
This garden in part of the Old Vicarage Garden, open every day and free of charge, is the Ernest Wilson Memorial Garden, honouring one of the great plant hunters and collectors of the early 20th century, who was born in Chipping Campden.
‘Chipping Campden is a community which supports the local artisans and celebrates the different talents in the town. We all work together, there is no rivalry because we recognise that we all add something different. There is a kinship here,’ she says.
Community spirit is evident in that, despite being under threat of closure, the town rallied round to save Chipping Campden’s Visitor Information Centre, recognising its importance, not only for locals, but for visitors.
‘I love the buildings, the heritage, and I really enjoy that we get visitors here from all over the world. It’s a place many come for a holiday, and it means we are surrounded by happy, appreciative people,’ says Lisa.
One feature cannot cover all the treasures within this town, or indeed the businesses that make it what it is. Whether you are looking for a good coffee shop, cream tea, somewhere to buy a unique gift, gain inspiration for your home, step into gorgeous countryside, or enjoy learning about history, Chipping Campden is worth visiting.
I started this piece with Harts Silversmiths and the strong connection with the legacy of the Arts and Crafts Movement, and I end with Court Barn Museum, which recognises that legacy. This museum of craft and design tells the compelling and comprehensive history of the movement which helped shape Chipping Campden, as well as promoting current craftsmen working in the north Cotswolds.
From Saturday, November 16 until Sunday, January 5, the museum will host its annual ‘Christmas Delights’ exhibition.
The name ‘Chipping,’ comes from the Old English cēping, meaning ‘market, a market-place’. Once a rich wool trading centre in the Middle Ages, Chipping Campden benefited from the patronage of wealthy wool merchants. Today, its heritage is still apparent. It may not be a thriving wool centre anymore, but it has a magnificent legacy of craftsmen, artisans, makers, and designers who continue to make the town what it is – a treasure trove of talent, creative innovation, and inspiration. It’s not surprising, then, that Chipping Campden is often called the ‘jewel in the crown,’ of the Cotswold towns.
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