MAKE Southwest

Our Story

MAKE Southwest

MAKE Southwest was founded as Devon Guild of Craftsmen in 1955 by a small group of makers, led by Edward Baly, who were enthusiastic about the idea of promoting the best in regional craftwork. From 1956, and for the next 30 years, annual exhibitions at venues throughout South Devon were enthusiastically received. In 1986 the organisation took the massive step of purchasing Riverside Mill. The building now houses a shop and three exhibition galleries, which stage over 20 exhibitions throughout the year! In November 2021 the organisation changed its name to MAKE Southwest to more accurately represent their offering. MAKE Southwest is a registered charity with educational aims, and profits from its trading ventures help to subsidise this work, which includes the exhibition programme, projects in schools and community groups, lectures and training. Apart from a handful of items, the MAKE Southwest shop sells only the work of its Members, while the exhibitions aim to show a broad range of the best craft from around the country.