Lavenham Guildhall welcomes new artist in residence exhibition 

This September, the National Trust welcomes East Anglian artist and specialist in traditional woodland crafts, Fay Jones, as their new artist-in-residence at Lavenham Guildhall. 

Known for her deep connection to natural materials and her skill in transforming them into evocative art, Fay will be presenting her second solo exhibition, titled “RAW: Tactile Viscera”.

This unique and playful exhibition invites visitors to explore the journey of raw materials as they are transformed into refined objects and to experience the powerful emotions and thoughts that can be expressed through 3D mediums and sensory interactions. 

“RAW: Tactile Viscera” follows two intertwining paths of exploration. On one hand, it delves into the process of crafting — from the harvesting of raw materials to their metamorphosis into intricate works of art. On the other, it investigates how these materials, when shaped by skilled hands, can become powerful vessels for expressing emotions and thoughts that often elude verbal articulation. 

This exhibition will not only highlight the beauty of traditional woodland crafts but it’s hoped it will also engage visitors in a deeper understanding of how materials can be both physically and emotionally transformative. 

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to showcase Fay’s work at Lavenham Guildhall,” says property operations manager, Josephine Waters.

“Fay’s dedication to traditional crafts and her ability to infuse them with contemporary significance aligns perfectly with our work to celebrate and preserve heritage while inspiring new interpretations. We look forward to seeing how her exhibition will resonate with our visitors.” 

In addition to the exhibition, Fay will also be leading a series of workshops where participants can immerse themselves in the tactile world of traditional woodland crafts.

These workshops offer a rare opportunity to learn directly from an artist whose practice is deeply rooted in the landscapes of East Anglia and who is passionate about sharing her knowledge with others. 

“Bringing ‘RAW: Tactile Viscera’ to Lavenham Guildhall is an exciting opportunity for me to connect with a wider audience and to share the sensory experiences that are central to my work,” says Fay.

“I am eager to engage visitors in the transformative power of traditional crafts and to explore how these ancient practices, often thought of for their practical purposes, can also speak as expressions of emotions and ideas.” 

Fay Jones’ residency at Lavenham Guildhall runs throughout September starting today (Saturday, September 7|) and running until Sunday, September 29, with her exhibition and workshops available to visitors during this time.

To book your spot at a workshop head to www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/suffolk/lavenham-guildhall