About us

The Art Workers’ Guild was founded in 1884 by young architects and designers, many of whom were prominent figures of the Arts and Crafts Movement. Its principle of ‘learning by doing’ has spread through art education and has had a worldwide influence. Work by past and present Guild members can be seen all over Britain, in houses, churches and everyday objects. A respect for quality, for craftsmanship, and a recognition of the healing, humane value of craftsmanship still characterises the Guild.

Now, the Guild is a unique body of more than 400 artists, craftspeople, architects, and academics working at the highest levels of excellence in their professions. We represent over 60 creative disciplines, including sculptors, architects, textile artists, potters, graphic designers, glass engravers, jewellers, furniture makers and printers. It is a place where traditional skills meet modern design and method, where creative connections are forged, and the work of the hand are celebrated.

We are a registered charity that advances education in all the visual arts and crafts by means of lectures, meetings, demonstrations, and discussions. The Guild also runs a varied and wide-ranging Outreach programme of practical workshops, exhibitions, demonstrations, collaborative projects, and discussions. The programme brings the diverse skills of our members to a broad range of people including students, educators and academics, policy makers, medical professionals, scientists and engineers, families, young people, and refugees.