Arts & crafts appreciation
What is it?     What you need     Getting started     Find out more

 

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What is it?

  • Arts and crafts are an important interest of very many people, even if they do not actually take part in the creative side of these activities (covered under arts & crafts) or are themselves collectors (see e.g. collecting antiques).  

  • The range of interests can vary greatly, from painting to ceramics, and from Western textile crafts to Eastern musical instruments.  

  • Some people just enjoy reading and learning about the types of arts and crafts they like, the makers and their history.  

  • For others, their interest is part of a wider activity including visiting museums and art galleries or historic houses.  

Find out more

Organisations

National Association of Decorative and Fine Art Societies (NADFAS)  0207 430 0730

 

Magazines

Apollo 
Art Review 
British Museum Magazine 
Crafts 
Frieze

Getting started

  • Find a local arts and crafts appreciation group or club (see organisations above).

  • Take a class or course at your local adult education centre.  See if your local group offers introductory sessions or visits.

  • Consult books or magazines on different types of arts and crafts.

  • Check in your local library/paper or education centre for more information.

What you need

Skills and people
  • Anyone can have an interest in arts and crafts, whatever their age or sex.  There is no need to be specially artistic, and no particular skills are needed. just enough time to read about and look at what interests you. 

  • You can easily take an interest in arts and crafts at home on your own, using books, the TV, video or computer.  But many people enjoy the stimulus and social contact of belonging to a group of people who share their particular interest. 

  • This can be an informal group of family or a few friends, a more formal local group, or one linked by mail or Internet contacts.  

Equipment or clothing
  • Books and/or some kind of viewing equipment are all that is needed, apart from some peace and quiet in which to read and study.

A place or facilities
  • No special facilities are needed to follow an interest in arts and crafts appreciation.  

  • Groups usually meet in a local hall or room, or sometimes at members' homes.  

  • Access to transport will be needed for going to museum and galleries or other relevant locations.

Have a go - get started now 

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