make southwest
MAKE Southwest (formerly Devon Guild of Craftsmen) is an acclaimed exhibition
space for contemporary craft and design as well as a leading charity for craft
education. Located in Bovey Tracey on the edge of Dartmoor, our large galleries
offer a great venue with inspiring exhibitions and events, encouraging people to
support, make and learn about contemporary craft. MAKE Southwest was founded as
Devon Guild of Craftsmen in 1955 by a small group of makers, led by Edward Baly,
who were enthusiastic about the idea of promoting the best in regional
craftwork. From 1956, and for the next 30 years, annual exhibitions at venues
throughout South Devon were well received. In 1986 the organisation took the
massive step of purchasing Riverside Mill. The building now houses a retail
gallery and 3 exhibition galleries, which stage over 20 exhibitions throughout
the year! In November 2021 the organisation changed its name to MAKE Southwest
to more accurately represent their offering. MAKE Southwest is a registered
charity with educational aims, and profits from its trading ventures help to
subsidise this work, which includes the exhibition programme, projects in
schools and community groups, lectures and training. Apart from a handful of
items, the MAKE Southwest retail gallery sells only the work of its Members,
while the exhibitions aim to show a broad range of the best craft from around
the country.
