The Bamford Art Group was set up by local artist and therapist Jenny Mather. As part of the Peak National Park Millennium Initiative, the Touchstone Sculpture Trail was created.
Jenny stepped down in 2006 and the group was then led by Rod Wilson until 2023. The Group eventually folded due to Covid and other factors. In November 2024 the ‘Art & Crafts Group’ was relaunched, with Mike Spoor (potter and illustrator) and Linda Southwick.
Our intention in re-establishing art activities at the Institute is to provide time, space and encouragement in creative activities through Art and Crafts. There is storage space and basic art materials in the Institute art room, and our main resource is in the variety of interests and skills that members wish to learn or share.
Our first year included paper making, dry pastels, mono printing, observational drawing, simple pinch pots, Raku and casting clay prints. Members have suggested a wish list of more areas to explore such as sculpture, wood carving, bobbin & lace making and talk about its history, book illustration and how to generate ideas, how to compose a picture, create characters, people or animals, pen & ink/wash, watercolour, charcoal and pastels, weaving, textiles, basket making, calligraphy, simple jewellery, card designs, portraits.
There is no requirement for any previous experience or skill, simply a creative interest and desire to make, participate and use the space to be creative in a supportive friendly environment.
Bamford Institute members pay an annual subscription of £20, then £2 per session for materials and refreshments. Sessions are on the second Monday each month from 1pm to 3pm, and are advertised in Bamford News and on the Facebook page.
Further information is available from Mike Spoor,
mob: 07854 633888
land: 01433 627522
or email: mikespoorillustrator@gmail.com