BRITISH heritage crafts conservation centre, Grandey’s Place, is opening its studios and workshops to the public on Sunday 7th September between 10am and 4pm for its annual Open Day.

Located about 15 minutes’ drive from Harlow near the village of Green Tye, Grandey’s Place Heritage & Craft Centre is a philanthropic venture set up in 2019 to help sustain and nurture the UK’s Heritage Crafts, many of which are under threat of extinction.

The Centre is now home to a thriving community of master artists and makers who are each expert in their own field. Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the site at leisure and learn about the specialisms practised there including, stained glass, lettercarving, sculptural ceramics, corsetry, millinery, heritage knitwear, scenic art and much more.

Among the talented craftspeople demonstrating their skills will be Seth Kennedy, the Centre’s resident antique pocket watch expert and engine turner who was recently commissioned by the Crown Jeweller to engrave a solid gold badge, called The Royal Family Order of King Charles III, which has already been worn on two State occasions by Queen Camilla.

Visitors will also get the chance to meet the Centre’s resident globemaker, Jonathan Wright, who recently featured on the BBC TV programme The Repair Shop on the Road and completed a stunning celestial globe for the royal warrant-holding perfume house, Penhaligon’s.

Since last year’s Open Day, bespoke costumier, Alessio O’Driscoll, has joined the community of craftspeople at Grandey’s Place. Alessio works closely with leading TV and Oscar-winning costume designers to create the finest quality costumes. Her recent roles include head cutter on the Warner Bros. movie Barbie, and the Netflix costume Emmy-award-winning Wednesday (seasons 1 & 2).
 
Entry to the Open Day is free although there is a charge of £5 to park on-site, with all the proceeds going directly to the craftspeople of Grandey’s Place. Parking must be booked in advance due to limited space. Two heritage craft sessions are available starting at 10am and 1.30pm respectively. Please bring as many friends and family as you like.

If you’re arriving by public transport, taxi, on foot or by bike, there is no need to book anything and there are no time restrictions; just turn up when you fancy between 10am and 4pm. Bike racks are provided but please bring your own lock.