Welcome to Walford Mill Education Trust

Walford Mill Education Trust in Wimborne has long been recognised as a centre of excellence for contemporary craft and, from 2018, is shifting its focus to encompass the environment and community, building on the 'sense of place' which is so important to all who live and work in the South West.

The historic mill building on the banks of the River Allen houses a gallery with a varied programme of exhibitions, and a number of on-site makers including a silk weaver and printmaker, with more joining soon.

With the river on one side and the millstream on the other, the mill grounds provide opportunities for activities for visitors of all ages, or for simply relaxing and watching the wildlife. The popular Millstream Bistro offers delicious refreshments throughout the day.

Walford Mill Education Trust is a registered charity which aims to promote crafts and making through events, classes, and exhibitions and by providing working space for established and emerging makers.

Registered charity no. 1049540.

Opening Times:

Tuesday - Saturday: 10am - 5pm
Sundays: 11am - 4pm

Please note that we are closed on Mondays.

What's on at The Mill...

Rain or Shine Theatre Company present William Shakespeare's

"As You Like It"

Come along to the open air performance on Sunday 4th August at 7.30pm (gates open at 6pm)

Join one of Shakespeare's most famous heroines, Rosalind, as she makes her way in a world full of power, jealousy and tyranny.

With songs galore, hand-to-hand wrestling, idiotic shepherds and the infamous melancholic Jacques, this comedy is sure to delight family audiences from 6 to 96.

So pack your picnic, rugs and chairs, and sit back and relax in the summer sunshine, while you are whisked off to the Forest of Arden where anything can happen!

BOOKING ESSENTIAL either by phone on 01202 841400, in person at Walford Mill or book online here

Current Exhibition

EELES POTTERYS WITH VAL GODMAN TEXTILES

1st June to 30th June 2019

Private View - May 31st 2019 6pm to 8pm

David and Patricia Eeles joined the Shepherds Well Pottery in London in 1955 then moved to Mosterton, West Dorset in 1962. Their sons, Benjamin and Simon Eeles carry on the family business, producing wood fired stoneware and porcelain fired in a three chambered climbing kiln. Naked crackle and copper fumed raku complete the wide range of work.

In 1990 both Benjamin and Simon became partners in the family pottery resulting in the name being changed from 'Shepherds Well Pottery' to 'The Eeles Family Pottery'. They continued to work together until Patricia's retirement in 2005 and David's death in 2015.

We are thrilled to welcome Benjamin and Simon who will be joining us for our next exhibition - their father being instrumental in starting the Mill with the Dorset Craft Guild 33 years ago.

We would be delighted to see you on the 31st May for a glass of wine and an opportunity to meet Ben, Simon and Val Godman. All are welcome.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Come and see the Raku Firing

(taking place most weekends this June)

Future Exhibition

SUMMER TASTER EXHIBITION

3rd July 2019 to 28th July 2019

'Summer Showcase' An exciting exhibition featuring the work of artists and makers who will be joining us here at the Mill throughout the coming year as resident makers, tutors, pop-up artists and exhibitors. This will be a wonderful opportunity to experience a taster of jewellery, ceramics, fused glass, textiles, mixed media, paintings and more.

BOOK NOW!

CHILDREN'S CREATIVE SUMMER HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS

Join us this summer for some creative fun at the Mill.

For full details please click here.

For further information or to book a workshop please contact Sarah Redmond-Fareham our new Children's Education Coordinator and qualified art and photography teacher

sarahredmondfareham@gmail.com 07825 888780

Alternatively, workshops can be booked at the Mill with Sarah on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

CHILDRENS' CREATIVE ACADEMY

5 spaces left on the Summer Term Course - book now to avoid disappointment!

Wednesday 5th June - Wednesday 17th July 2019

4pm-5.15pm Age 8-12 £45.00

For further information or to book a workshop please contact Sarah Redmond-Fareham our new Children's Education Coordinator and qualified art and photography teacher

sarahredmondfareham@gmail.com 07825 888780

Alternatively, workshops can be booked at the Mill with Sarah on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

You can find out more information by clicking here.

CHILDREN'S ART AND CRAFT PARTIES

If you are looking for something unique and creative for your child's birthday this year, Walford Mill offers a range of bespoke children's art and craft parties that can be tailored to your child's interests.

For further information or to book a workshop please contact Sarah Redmond-Fareham our new Children's Education Coordinator and qualified art and photography teacher

sarahredmondfareham@gmail.com 07825 888780

Alternatively, workshops can be booked at the Mill with Sarah on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

EXCITING NEW PROGRAMME OF ADULT WORKSHOPS

Come and join us and try your hand at a new craft, make a copper foil decoration, create your own piece of silver jewellery or learn the art of printmaking to name a few - click here for more information.

We look forward to welcoming you to Walford Mill Crafts.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to our wish to maintain safe, tranquil surroundings for all our visitors we have closed the courtyard to all vehicles.

Delivery vehicles etc. may enter the courtyard outside these hours.

Disabled parking bays are available in the main car park and staff are always happy to help in any way we can.

The courtyard gates are locked at the end of each working day.