Arts & Crafts

Arts and Crafts? The phrase has two distinct meanings here in the Cotswolds.

Firstly, the World-famous Arts and Crafts Movement of the 20th Century drew inspiration from the Cotswolds.

William Morris, one of the leaders of the Arts and Crafts Movement, was greatly influenced by the Cotswold Countryside. Kelmscott Manor, near Lechlade, became his country home from 1871 until his death in 1896. The rather tragic love story set at Kelmscott played an important part in his life, prompting Morris's travels and thereby the inspiration for his art.

Lovers of William Morris, the Arts and Crafts Movement and its followers, can visit Kelmscott and will find many more examples of their work around the Cotswolds. You can explore this inheritance at galleries, churches and museums, such as Selsey Church, which houses stained glass windows designed by William Morris and fellow artists. The Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum has an Arts and Crafts furniture collection of international repute.

Secondly, you can also discover the vibrant emerging movement of new artists and craftspeople at work. The Cotswolds is buzzing with hundreds of opportunities to meet artists, jewellers and craftspeople and to see or buy their work. A work of art made in the Cotswolds is a wonderful souvenir.