Durham Guild - Dyers,

About The Guild

Welcome

Durham Guild was founded in 1979 by five people with an interest in weaving and spinning. (see below A Brief History) Over the years the Guild has evolved and currently maintains a membership of around 40 people with a vast variety of interests and skills. Two of the founder-members still play an active part in the Guild. We offer a warm welcome to new members at all levels of experience, including absolute beginners..

The objectives of Durham Guild are the promotion and preservation of spinning, weaving, dyeing & other related textile crafts and we are affiliated to the National Association of Guilds of Weavers, Spinners & Dyers. The Guild is a registered charitable organisation.

We meet twice monthly and arrange a yearly programme of talks, workshops and other events. The Guild also holds selling exhibitions at various local venues, and organises group visits to places and events related to our crafts, eg. weaving mills, studios, exhibitions, trade fairs etc.

VENUES
All our First Thursday Meetings will be held at Redwood Lodge. Third Thursdays and workshops will continue to be held at St. Oswald's Institute. Please check details on Diary page.

Meetings.

As stated above,the venues for the Guild's Programme will be divided between St Oswald's Institute in Church Street and Redwood Lodge (Guide Hut) nearby in School Lane. (see map on 'How to locate us')

First Thursday in the month(except August) 7.30-9.30pm Redwood Lodge This usually takes the form of an illustrated talk, lecture or demonstration, sometimes including 'hands-on' experience with some aspects of crafts. There is a small charge which includes refreshments.

Third Thursday in the month(except December)10am-3pm St. Oswald's Institute
This 'drop-in' day-time meeting allows an opportunity for members to share individual expertise and make progress on personal and group projects. From time to time a 'Third Thursday' is designated as a day for sharing specific skills.


Community Work. Guild members often get involved with the community, giving demonstrations at various events and venues. These events are usually at weekends and provide an opportunity to promote the work of the Guild.


Books & Equipment The Guild holds a collection of weaving and spinning equipment and a small library of related books,all of which is available for loan to members.

National Association of Guilds of Weavers, Spinners & Dyers.
The Guild receives regular information about the activities of the National Association and every two years members have the opportunity to exhibit with fellow Guilds at prestigious venues around the U.K.
National Week of Spinning and Weaving

During the week, nine members of the Guild demonstrated three types of spinning and weaving at Clayport Library, Durham City. They were made very welcome and said they had very much enjoyed working in the calm library atmosphere, and also made the most of this opportunity to pass on information about the Guild and its aims. The 'English for Foreigners' class paid them a visit and no doubt added some textile terms to their vocabulary!

The Journal for Weavers, Spinners & Dyers
This is the National Association's quarterly magazine available to Guild members at a reduced subscription rate.

Shipley Weavers.
A few members meet in the workroom at the Shipley Art Gallery Gateshead on the 2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month at 10am - 1pm. If you are interested please drop in for a chat and a coffee (free). Check with the Shipley before coming.

For further info. about Durham Guild please e.mail: stoswalds@durhamguild.co.uk

Updated 7th June 2013

Updated 7th June 2013

St Oswalds Institute, Church Street
Durham City, Co Durham, DH1 3DQ
Sec: email: stoswalds@durhamguild.co.uk