- Craftspace celebrates 40 years of craft making in the Midlands and beyond with new craft commission 40 Objects for 40 years. Created by Stewart Francis Easton, this new textile mural celebrates objects from the organisations 40 years.
- Over 40 years, Craftspace have curated and commissioned work by 2500 artists in over 500 exhibitions viewed by 2.8million people, as well as getting around 265000 people making.
- On display at Midlands Arts Centre, 40 Objects for 40 years is displayed alongside the Made in the Middle exhibition from 14 February until 12 April.
- Find out more at: https://macbirmingham.co.uk/exhibitions/craftspace-40-objects-for-40-years
Craftspace is celebrating 40 years of craft making in the Midlands and beyond with a new craft commission 40 Objects for 40 years, created by Stewart Francis Easton, which goes on display at Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) on 14 February 2026.
Commissioned by Craftspace, this new textile mural invites visitors to explore Craftspace’s 40-year story through 40 objects, chosen by staff and board members as important and meaningful from the last 40 years. The work will be four quilted wall hangings which will have illustrations of each object.
Over 40 years, Craftspace have curated and commissioned work by 2500 artists in over 500 exhibitions viewed by 2.8million people working in the Midlands and across the UK, as well as getting around 265000 people making and engaging in meaningful craft interactions.
The objects featured on the new textile mural span the last 40 years and include the Office Biscuit tin which has lived many lives with Craftspace as a chocolate box, a sewing kit box, a project box, a material box now perhaps its most precious role as the office biscuit tin; Claire’s Coming Out Dress (2000), co-commissioned by Craftspace and Nottingham Castle Museum for Grayson Perry as he launched his alter-ego Claire to the artworld; Craftspace’s Installation Toolbag, well used and essential kit used by the organisation to set up over 500 exhibitions and projects; Head Pots (2005), Jon Williams Treasure Boxes, an early years resource encouraging open ended experimental family play by adding wet clay onto the ceramic vessels; a Swallow Brooch (2012) from Shelanu’s Migrating Birds jewellery range, created with Birmingham jeweller Rita Patel; a hand-carved teaspoon (2023) made by a mental wellbeing group by a member of the Craftspace team, now stained and smoothed from stirring many welcome cups of tea and coffee; and Melanie Tomlinson’s Blackbird (2025) currently part of Craftspace’s Made in the Middle touring exhibiting.
Deirdre Figueiredo MBE, Director of Craftspace, said: “Craft and making is a foundational skill practised by humans and remains as vital and progressive now as it has for centuries. When people are making, they are problem-solving, productive, mindful and resourceful. Making things from everyday and natural materials can be a unifying force for good, a means of self-expression and a form of resistance and resilience in challenging times. It is this force for good approach we’ve channelled over the last 40 years.”
Matthew Rhodes, Chair of the Board added: “For 40 years Craftspace has represented so much that is unique and wonderful about the Midlands: our diversity and openness; the way this region supports craft skills that are human-scale and accessible to all – yet with potential for global impact and world-class quality; and the power of individual imagination.
“I’ve never met anyone who’s come into contact with Craftspace who hasn’t been impressed with our impact and contribution to individuals and this region, from politicians to schoolchildren. We’re fortunate to have such an organisation based in Birmingham.”
Artist Stewart Easton said: “I feel that I am part of Craftspace’s story after successfully working with them on several projects. The first being Making Moves and second Gathering Craftspace has supported me from the beginning of my career through to the mid stage. I have garnered a wealth of experience since the early days of Making Moves and have successfully worked on projects both nationally and Internationally. Craftspace was one of the first organisations to support me and it helped propel me forward, I would like this opportunity to give something back.”
Alongside 40 Objects for 40 Years visitors to MAC can head to Craftspace’s current touring exhibition Made in the Middle which features 37 artists highlighting the innovative contemporary crafts being made in the Midlands today, this exhibition runs until 12 April. More details here: https://macbirmingham.co.uk/exhibitions/made-in-the-middle
The 40th Anniversary celebrations continue with a Celebration Weekend at MAC, 21 – 22 March. Craftspace will host a weekend of free workshops and events celebrating their anniversary. Visitors will be invited to participate in free workshops crafting a birthday gift for them to take away. More details here: https://macbirmingham.co.uk/events/craftspaces-40th-birthday-celebration
Find out more about Craftspace and their 40 years of craft making here: https://craftspace.co.uk/
Craftspace’s 40 Objects for 40 Years and Made in the Middle are kindly supported Arts Council England and players of People’s Postcode Lottery.