ART & CRAFTS

Unlike the rest of England, Norfolk does not have any large industry. There are no large factories to be found here, instead the county has developed a large number of small businesses, many of which are run in the owners garden shed, rennovated barn or in specially created centres. You will therefore find an array of art and crafts people, who manufacter, exhibit and sell crafts incluing pottery, pictures, candles and clocks. We feature a few of these in this guided tour.

Wroxham Barns near Hoveton.

Wroxham Barns is a working craft centre, where crafts people demonstrate their skills in individual studios and you can chat to them as they work. Studios include stained glass, pottery, colourful children's clothes and real Norfolk cider! You can purchase a range of unique products exclusive to Wroxham Barns and many of the crafts people undertake private commissions. Wroxham Barns also contains a Junior Farm, a Children's Funfair as well as a country food shop and a lovely tearoom.

Made in Cley in Cley next the sea.

Made in Cley is a gallery offering pottery, sculpture, jewelry and prints. It was founded in 1984 and all the products are hand made on the premises by a group of craftspeople.

Sutton Pottery in Sutton near Stalham.

Sutton Pottery is a small studio workshop, established by Malcolm Flatman in 1977. The working workshop can be found just outside the village of Sutton and is an easy walk from the Staithe. Malcolm uses the Potter’s Wheel and the fire of a gas kiln to create a large range of “reduction” stoneware entirely by hand. He has developed an assortment of practical, repeatable, replaceable and affordable tableware and kitchenware in a wide variety of glaze colours which he blends himself in the interests of consistency. Malcolm also produces a multitude of more decorative pieces, including house name plates and other commissions, and some distinctive lamps. He also enjoys the challenge of making orders to customers’ own ideas. The pottery carries a distinctive “windmill” symbol.

Big Blue Sky in Wells next the sea.

The Big Blue Sky on the North Norfolk Coast is a well known favourite gallery and showase for local craft talent.

Alby Crafts near Aylsham.

Alby Crafts and Gardens has a number of resident craftspeople and is surrounded by four acres of carefully tended gardens and ponds. The attractive brick and flint Norfolk farm buildings also accommodate a gallery and gift shop, furniture showroom and tearooms.

The Norwich Lanes in Norwich.

The Norwich Lanes is an area of Norwich with narrow alleys, streets and lanes, crammed full of independent traders. You will find many art galleries and craftshops selling all kinds of goods to suit all tastes.

Holt town centre.

Holt is a lovely rural Georgian Norfolk town with plenty of unusual shops and surrounded by well-wooded parks. A jumble of streets and alleyways fanout from the main High Street, offering plenty of facilities including pubs, cafes, galleries, and shops to enjoy. Holt is particularly attractive at Christmas, when all the shops adourn themselves in pretty white fairy lights, making for a really festive wonderland.

The Anchor Shop in Blakeney.

This lovely shop is located on the main street leading down to the harbour. It sells home furnishings and gift items, many locally made.

Norfolk Living in Burnham Market.

Norfolk Living is located in the centre of Burnham Market and offers an extensive selection of gift, garden, interior and fashion accessories. Beautifully displayed in the inspirational setting of a double-fronted Georgian building with leafy courtyard, old stable and barn, the well designed product range is carefully selected and some of are made in Norfolk.

Pinkfoot Gallery, Cley next the sea.

The Pinkfoot Gallery is in the middle of Cley next the Sea and contains a collection of some of the best ‘art inspired by nature’ in Britain. The Pinkfoot gallery represents a diverse collection of artists, collectively called ‘The Pinkfoot Artists’, ranging from the abstract to the realistic, from oils to encaustic techniques and from prints to porcelain. A large part of the gallery is dedicated to sculpture, including amazing woodcarvings to a large bird and animal bronze collection.