Welcome to Walford Mill Crafts

Walford Mill Crafts 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...

Upcoming 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.

Current Exhibition

ROBIN MACKENZIE 'Impressions'

13th April to 19th May 2019

Walford Mill Crafts resident printmaker and illustrator Robin Mackenzie creates detailed wood engravings and vinyl cuts inspired by Dorset's Jurassic Coast. 'Impressions' brings together Robin's prints alongside work from those that have inspired him in his creative journey. Featuring work by Angie Lewin, Ian Phillips, Eric Ravilious, Rena Gardiner, Andy English, Hilary Paynter and Preeti Sood.

CHILDREN'S CREATIVE HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS

Join us this May for some half term creative fun at the Mill.

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.

The Shop at Walford Mill Crafts is now closed

As many of you know we have had a difficult 12 months since losing our Arts Council funding last year. Despite the support of our loyal customers and suppliers, difficult retail trading conditions have unfortunately compounded the situation.

As a result, the Trustees of Walford Mill Education Trust have taken the difficult decision to close the Gallery Shop with immediate effect, however Walford Mill Craft Centre is not closing. All our on-site makers are still open for business and workshops and classes will run as normal. The 'Colour Notes' exhibition featuring work by members of textile group Studio 21 also continues in the Gallery space until April 7th. Our next exhibition, Robin Mackenzie ‘Impressions’, starts on 13th April as planned.

We regret that we will however be completely closed at the weekends for the next couple of weeks, until stock has been sorted out and the shop emptied.

Arrangements are currently in place to carry out a complete stock take and return work to our suppliers. Please bear with us while we do this, as there is a lot to sort out. We will be contacting all our makers just as soon as we can with more information. It is expected at this stage, that all outstanding financial obligations will be met and that the Trust will continue.

We will post further updates as the position becomes clearer.

Anne Hitchcock CEO