Farnham World Craft Town welcomed HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in February, marking a proud milestone for England’s first designated World Craft Town.
A longstanding supporter of the arts and young people’s development, His Royal Highness spent the day meeting makers, students and creative businesses, seeing first-hand how Farnham combines centuries of craft heritage with modern enterprise and education.
HRH The Duke of Edinburgh tries his hand at glassblowing at the University for the Creative Arts in Farnham
The Duke began at the University for the Creative Arts to celebrate it providing 170 years of practice-based, creative education and to meet its current young creatives who study across traditional and emerging arts.
He was introduced to globally renowned fashion designer and UCA Chancellor Emerita, Dame Zandra Rhodes. Zandra began her own creative career at UCA, studying at one of its former art colleges in the 1960s, which she has credited with the foundation for her creativity.
The Duke meets Dame Zandra Rhodes; visits UCA's high-tech filmmaking space, its Virtual Production studio; and meets UCA students
His tour formally commenced in UCA’s creative workshops, including its glass studio, where UCA is among only a handful of specialist institutions in the UK to offer a degree in the subject.
Then, the tour shifted up a gear, showcasing UCA’s high-tech filmmaking space, its Virtual Production studio. Students used real-time rendering software and motion capture to immerse His Royal Highness in a scene from Moryow, which was shot in the space and will make its debut on the film festival circuit later this year.
The Duke's tour concluded with the unveiling of an artwork created by second year BA Graphic Design student, Ella Stevenson, and he received a piece of glassware designed by glass technician, Laura Quinn. The works marked the royal visit to celebrate 170 years of UCA.
Lord Lieutenancy Michael More Molyneux CVO introduces Guy Hains, Alex Hains and Tom Haines of the Farnham Pottery
Photo: Andy Newbold Photography
The day then moved on to Farnham Pottery - a restored nineteenth-century site now operating as a thriving creative hub - where His Royal Highness met professional potters at work and took part in stained glass making.
He spoke with partners from Farnham Town Council, Farnham Maltings, the University for the Creative Arts and the New Ashgate Gallery about the coordinated town-wide approach that underpins Farnham’s World Craft Town status.
HRH Duke of Edinburgh discusses Farnham World Craft Town with Cllr Kika Mirylees and Oliver Cluskey of Farnham Town Council
Photo: Andy Newbold Photography
Particular focus was given to the Farnham Creatives Network and Creative Business Programme, which provide mentoring, networking and practical business support to makers across disciplines including ceramics, jewellery, illustration, paper art and mosaics. These initiatives ensure creative talent is not only nurtured artistically but sustained commercially.
The Duke also met students and professionals from the Farnham School of Furniture Making, where traditional craftsmanship is combined with contemporary design and technical expertise to prepare learners for long-term careers.
HRH Duke of Edinburgh meets young potters at Farnham Pottery
Photo: Andy Newbold Photography
Young makers aged 11 to 16 were taking part in hands-on pottery sessions. Some were completing their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, demonstrating how craft builds confidence, resilience and practical skills alongside creativity. The visit reinforced the clear pathway in Farnham from early engagement through to professional practice.
“Farnham was the first town in England to receive recognition in the World Craft Cities network in 2020,” said Professor Aftab Gharda FRSA, Regional Director (Europe) of the World Crafts Council, who attended the visit, underlining Farnham’s international reputation.
“Craft here is not only a tradition but a living, evolving force - rooted in heritage, sustained by makers and strengthened through education, enterprise and community collaboration. Farnham’s commitment to supporting makers as businesses and investing in young people is exactly what the World Craft Cities Programme seeks to encourage worldwide.”
HRH Duke of Edinburgh meets Julia Quigley of West Street Potters
(Photo: Andy Newbold Photography)
The Mayor of Farnham, Councillor George Murray, described the visit as a proud moment that recognised both the town’s long tradition of making and its determination to invest in future generations.
A commemorative plaque was unveiled at Farnham Pottery to mark the occasion.
