The Craft Centre and Design Gallery . Leeds . Est 1982
own . admire . collect . gift
Due to the latest Government lockdown restrictions the Craft Centre is now closed to the public.
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We now have an Online Store with a selection of work from the gallery.
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Any purchases made will be posted out once every week.
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Please Note - if you have a Gift Voucher or Covernote which will expire during lockdown - these will be extended.
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Donations
If you are able to support us at this challenging time, we would greatly value your help to safeguard our future. Please donate if you can via the donate button at the top of our website. Your donation will ensure we can continue to champion contemporary craft through a seasonal exhibition programme. As an independent gallery with charitable status we rely on sales from the work we exhibit by our amazing makers from across the UK to continue to deliver the very best of contemporary craft to you. Any additional donations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much.
A notice to our makers. Please click here
Wooden Vases - Selwyn House
Mindfulness at The Craft Centre and Design Gallery
Tucked underneath Leeds City Art Gallery and next door to Visit Leeds, we provide a place for escapism, quiet, calm and a place to tend to your wellbeing. Making time for yourself amongst an often hectic lifestyle has been proven to assist with an improved state of mind. There has been much discussion recently in the sector as to how craft practices can improve this, and galleries certainly provide a tranquil creative space within our busy city centre. We also support the mental health of makers, who, without galleries like ours (which are few and far between) would be isolated, unsupported and would have to rely largely on internet sales. We passionately believe that handmade items allow people to take something home that brings them joy, and counteracts the kind of disposable culture that we are increasingly seeing take over both public mindsets, putting independent businesses and the environment at risk. Click here to find out more about mindfulness at the Craft Centre and Design Gallery.
Established in 1982 our aim is to take you on a journey to experience the talent, skill, originality and beauty of contemporary craft made by UK designer makers today. To see our story so far click here.
Every year our seasonal exhibition programme brings together the very best of handmade contemporary jewellery, ceramics, limited edition prints, glass, wood, textiles and works in mixed media exploring specific themes. We also provide an ever changing selection of makers who support and enrich each main exhibition. We support new and emerging makers as well as more established makers and for the past 36 years have introduced thousands of talented individuals to visitors of Leeds. Everything on display is for sale so we're a shop as well as a gallery space.
With work by over 300 designers on display at any one time you're sure to find what you're looking for; whether it be for inspiration, gift buying or simply to while away a peaceful lunch hour.
Get social!
0113 378 7241
The Craft Centre & Design Gallery, City Art Gallery, The Headrow, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 3AB
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Please ask permission before taking photographs in the gallery. Because all of the works on display are still in copyright (which is not held by The Craft Centre and Design Gallery) photography is strictly limited to specific private use or study. Images must not be published or reproduced in print or electronically for commercial use or private gain. If you're a student wishing to take photographs for study then please click here to download a photography permission form. Please book an appointment via email and bring the completed form with you to your appointment. We'll then be able to ensure you get the best out of your visit using us as a research resource.
Image: Ashraf Hanna ceramics on show until 11th January in our forthcoming Christmas Show
Pictured: ceramics by Jill Shaddock from our Stand by Me exhibition
​Wheelchair access is available to all areas of the gallery. Level access is available via a ramp from Victoria Gardens.
What's On
Mixed Media Workshops with contemporary designer Florence Makes
If you're wanting to learn how to bookbind or create fabulous home accessories using found papers and Ordinance Survey maps, book a workshop with Florence Hoy. Click here for upcoming sessions or if you would like to know the full range of workshops available, simply enquire by emailing Florence at florencemakes@outlook.com
Jewellery Workshops with contemporary jeweller Amy Stringer
Create contemporary jewellery with practising jeweller Amy Stringer who is also our Jewellery Co-ordinator. Click here for further information or enquire by email at workshops@amystringer.co.uk
Workshops with contemporary maker Gwyneth Williamson
Come and explore jewellery making, printmaking and drawing with Gwyneth Williamson at her studio based in Wakefield. Gwyn is also our Education Co-ordinator. Click here for further information or enquire by email at gwynethwilliamsondesign@gmail.com
(Photo courtesy of Index Festival, taken by David Lindsay)
Workshops with contemporary jeweller Becca Macdonald
Beginners Silver Clay Jewellery Making Workshop, full day (10am - 4pm at Today Studio, Leeds). Expect to make one or two pieces of finished silver jewellery in a day. Becca recently joined the team here as our Gallery Assistant. Click here for further information.
Also Becca's brand new workshop for ‘grown ups’ and their little ones to make a silver fingerprint necklace. Click here for further information.
