Arts & crafts

Right across Lincolnshire there are craftspeople busy at work – it must be something to do with the relaxing landscape! Open studios, workshops and arts and crafts shops are commonplace across the county, offering the chance to get your hands on everything from bespoke furniture to aviation art work.

To get a real taste of Lincolnshire’s unique crafts scene, head for to The Hub in Sleaford, which has been transformed into the UK’s largest centre for craft and design outside London. 

The Pottery Painting Café is a studio which offers the unique opportunity for you to become the artist and create your very own piece of artwork. You don’t need to have previous artistic skills, once glazed and fired in the special kilns the simplest of designs can be turned into a masterpiece. 

Skylark Studios set in the beautiful Fenland countryside near Wisbech is the perfect place for a relaxing day out. Browse and purchase the owner’s collection of magnificent art work. Attend a one-day course on acrylic painting, collage, watercolours or oil pastels. Or if you would like to stay a bit longer there are several workshops which take place over 2 days.  

Alford Craft Markets take place at various dates across the year and promote the manufacture of high quality, hand crafted local goods. A small selection of stalls at Alford craft markets include blacksmiths and hand-crafted furniture, pottery and soaps and candles.

Lloyd Loom furniture has been a much a loved part of British culture since the 1920’s. The historic factory and visitor centre in Spalding is the last remaining Lloyd Loom manufacturer in the country. Here they produce individually hand-made furniture from woven twisted paper and wire on solid beech wood frame.

If you want pieces to take home, browse an extensive selection of creative wares at the Hemswell Craft & Design Centre where artists and designers sell their goods to the public - find plentiful glassware, beaded jewellery, local arts and crafts goods. There’s no shortage of opportunities to get creative yourself.

Manor Stables in Fulbeck is a working arts and crafts centre. As well as work produced by the people at the centre, there is also the opportunity for you to buy the work of local crafts people and artists.

Aviation Art Studio located in Lincoln’s Cathedral Quarter produces original art work by resident artist Edward Ash. Edward creates a large variety of aviation prints with originals in oils, acrylics and pencil for you to buy. Limited edition prints some carrying signatures of aircrew including the Red Arrows pilots.