About the Guild.

What is the Merseyside Guild of Weavers?

The Guild is made up of a group of enthusiasts who are fascinated by fibres and what you can do with them. Most of us joined the guild because of an interest in weaving, spinning and/or dyeing, but members' talents don't stop there. Feltmaking, basketry, knitting, lacemaking and embroidery are amongst our other pursuits.

Our Guild was set up in 1979 and is one of some 102 Guilds from the British Isles which together form the Association of Guilds of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers. The Association produces a quarterly magazine, "The Journal", which is available through local Guilds or by individual subscription. We are a registered charity, registered number 518196.

What does the Guild do?

We aim to keep the traditional skills of handweaving, spinning, dyeing and other fibre-related pursuits alive and developing in the modern world. To do this, we regularly display our work, demonstrate skills to the public, and meet together as a focus for sharing experience and ideas. We organise an annual weekend workshop and occasional day workshops. We have teamed up with the Liverpool museum to help visitors understand the museum's textile artifacts, in particular taking part in hands-on activities, mainly during school holidays.

When and where does the Guild meet?

We hold monthly meetings which are open to anyone. Some of these are lectures by visiting craftspeople or one of our members with special interests. Other meetings (so-called Members' Days, but open to visitors too) are devoted to discussing our work and sharing ideas, which is a good opportunity for less experienced members to get help and advice.

Our meetings take place on the first Saturday of each month (except August when there is no meeting) in Sister Anthony's studio at the Metropolitan Cathedral, Liverpool. See our programme for details. The studio is open from 10.30a.m. and meetings start at 11am or 1.30pm. Why not come earlier to meetings to chat or bring work to do? Make a day of it instead of half a day. Tea, coffee and biscuits available - help and friendship too!

Please contact us for further details if you intend to visit one of our meetings.

Where can I see members work?

Exhibitions and displays are put on regularly. See programme page for details. We usually bring along a limited selection of members work along to our demonstrations. Visit the gallery page. Some members also exhibit personally at local and regional venues.

Does the Guild run classes?

The Guild organises an annual weekend school, usually in October, on a different theme each year. Recent topics have been natural dying, devore, feltmaking, willow basket-making, braiding and batik (this years weekend school is on 16th and 17th October and the subject is willow weaving). Occasional one day workshops are held on a Saturday.

The Guild does not run regular classes, but some members can offer tuition.

Can anyone join?

Yes. Some members are professionals, others practice their craft purely for enjoyment. If you are a beginner, members will do their best to help you. We also of course welcome members whose main interests lie outside weaving, spinning and dyeing. Young people are welcome to join us.

You do not have to live in Merseyside. We also have members from Lancashire, Manchester, Cheshire and the Wirral.

The membership fee is £14 per annum for individuals or £20 for family or group membership (2004 rates).

Normal meetings cost £1 to paid up members and £2 for visitors. One day Saturday workshops cost £1 for members and £5 for visitors.

How is the Guild funded?

The Guild is a registered charity (registration number 518196). It receives a grant from the Arts Council England, and otherwise relies on membership income and donations.

Where can I get more information?

Come along to one of our meetings, e-mail us at info@merseyweaver.org.uk or 'phone our secretary Chris Holmes on 0151 678 1557.

This page last modified 30 September, 2005