What can the Guild do for you?
Surrey Guild of Craftsmen members are selected professional craftsmen and designer makers of contemporary craft. Their work is distinguished by fine craftsmanship and innovative design.
The Guild aims to support its members and to raise public awareness of the quality and diversity of the work created by local designer makers. This is done through a programme of exhibitions and craft events at venues around the county and beyond, where members display and sell their work. Membership of the Guild offers opportunities for members to exchange ideas, partner each other in independent exhibitions and open studios, and offer feedback, encouragement and critical appraisal. New members are always welcome, and application procedures can be found below.
Application and Selection
The selection process
Membership assessments are carried out at intervals throughout the year. For the foreseeable future while committee meetings are on Zoom, work for assessment may need to be held longer than usual to allow different members of the assessment panel to see it as we cannot meet in the usual way. For now, therefore, applications AND work should be submitted at least three weeks prior to planned committee meeting dates and the membership secretary notified by email that work will be delivered. The next committee meeting will be held:
September 2024 (specific date to be decided).
The usual application procedure is below, but may change at any time so please email and one of us can ring you to discuss the options and answer any queries you may have.
*Applicants must pass all three assessment criteria, which are:
Originality
Excellence in craftsmanship
Good aesthetic design
The Guild seeks as members craftspeople who will make a positive contribution to the running of the Guild. Successful applicants will be offered probationary membership for one year, after which their membership will be confirmed or may be withdrawn.
Application form and assessment fee
Please email our Membership Secretary Linda Scott at membership@surreyguild.com to let her know you are applying. You will be contacted to progress your application.
Your submission work must arrive at least three weeks before the assessment date (see dates above).
You will need to print and complete the ‘Checklist and Notes for Applicants’ form and include it with your work (pdf - please download and print or annotate).
N.B. Your assessment fee of £20 is not refundable, but counts towards the first annual membership subscription for successful applicants.
Assessment procedure
The assessment committee will need to see:
Four to six examples of exhibition standard (that is, top quality) work. Photographs are not sufficient.
A note of the usual retail prices for the items you submit,
Your CV and/or maker’s statement.
The completed ‘Checklist and notes for applicants’.
You may submit information and/or printed pictures in addition to the above as part of your application if you wish.
You will not be present in person at the assessment. Please note that your assessment may be rejected if all of the required items are not included in your submission. Please download, read and complete the application documentation carefully.
You will be advised of the outcome of your application as soon as possible after your work has been fully assessed, and can then arrange for collection.
Current subscription rate
Surrey Guild of Craftsmen £75 pa (1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024).
Surrey Guild of Craftsmen exhibitions
Surrey Guild of Craftsmen members co-ordinate a number of external events throughout the year. Participation costs vary and are confirmed as opportunities are presented.