Culture & Creative IndustriesNews

For the first time, the Surrey Hill Christmas Fair will take place at West Horsley Place (26-28 November).

 

This new event, organised by the West Horsley Place Trust in partnership with Surrey Hills Enterprises, will give visitors a unique opportunity to see and buy the best of Surrey arts, crafts, artisanal produce, food and drink – in the beautiful setting of West Horsley Place.

 

From exquisitely decorated porcelain in the Stone Hall – a room in which Henry VIII is known to have dined – to local food and drink in the recently opened Place Farm Barn, the Fair will be full of festive inspiration and will provide visitors with an unparalleled Christmas shopping experience!

 

Exhibitors include:

 

Wey Ceramics

Exhibiting in the Stone Parlour, members of Wey Ceramics will present shimmering ceramic sculpture and domestic ware.

 

Adam Aaronson & Friends

Exhibiting in the Stone Hall and curated by Liz Hauch, this section of the fair will feature glass by Adam Aaronson together with paintings by, amongst others, Liz Hauch, Tessa Pearson and Tinx Newton and ceramics by Ali Tomlin and Kayley Holderness.

 

Surrey Guild of Craftsmen

Exhibiting in the Library, the Guild of Craftsmen will present exceptional applied arts including textiles, fashion, jewellery and more made by its members.

 

Guildford Art Society

Exhibiting in the Morning Room, the Society, which was founded in 1923, will show original paintings, drawings and sculpture by members.

 

The Art Shed Surrey

Exhibiting in the Stone Kitchen, The Art Shed is a group of local artists and designer-makers formally based at the Medicine Garden in Cobham.  The group will present work in a variety of media including textiles, ceramics, jewellery, printmaking and precious metals.

 

Surrey Hills Enterprises

Exhibiting in Place Farm Barn and Courtyard, the Surrey Hills Enterprises section of the Fair includes stallholders selling food and drink, skincare, jewellery, fashion and country crafts.

 

Hot food, mulled wine, tea, coffee and other seasonal refreshments will be available to buy in the Place Farm Barn Courtyard, provided by local companies Tiger Lily Coffee, The Drinkery and The Fillet & Bean.

 

 

Commenting, Clare Clinton, Arts, Heritage and Learning Manager at West Horsley Place, said:

 

“We are thrilled to be hosting the very first Surrey Hills Christmas Fair, and cannot wait to welcome visitors to West Horsley Place.”

 

“In partnership with Surrey Hills Enterprises, we have carefully curated the Fair to ensure that visitors can buy from the best of Surrey’s artists, makers, artisans and more, and we hope there will be something for everyone.”

 

Wendy Varcoe MBE, Executive Director of Surrey Hills Enterprises said:

 

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with West Horsley Place to showcase local Surrey Hills artisans. Visitors to the Christmas Fair will be able to meet the artisans and browse an array of stalls.  All of our members have been awarded the Trade Mark Surrey Hills, a mark of local provenance, quality and sustainability.”

 

Local artist Adam Aaronson said:

 

“We are all delighted at this fabulous opportunity to exhibit at West Horsley Place and everyone is busy with preparations. I think it will be an unmissable event so book your tickets early!”

 

Tickets are on sale now, with proceeds supporting the West Horsley Place Trust’s mission to conserve and repair Grade I listed West Horsley Place, which is currently on the Historic England At Risk Register.

 

For further information and to book tickets (pre-booking essential):

 

westhorsleyplace.org