The area around Ollerton is quickly establishing itself as an important centre for artists and craftspeople as many have taken up residence in the characterful old buildings that abound.

Whether you are interested in traditional forest crafts such as woodturning, contemporary glassware or viewing the work of influential ceramicists, you will find much to interest you here.

RUFFORD CRAFT CENTRE

Rufford Craft Centre, situated in the stable block at Rufford Abbey, features a gallery with ever-changing art and craft exhibitions, which is complemented by a craft shop on the ground floor. It  is internationally famous for its summer ceramics fair in June - ’Earth and Fire’ – which attracts hundreds of people every year and showcases the work of over a hundred potters. If you appreciate art, you will also enjoy the modern sculpture and art installations in the grounds.

	Location: Rufford Abbey is signposted from the A614.
	Admission: There is a small charge for parking of £3 per car (including blue badge holders) at weekends and Bank Holidays, plus daily throughout the school summer holiday. Season tickets can be bought for £20, or if you spend £15 in one or more of the shops/cafes, you will get your parking fee back.
	Contact: Rufford Park, nr Ollerton, Newark, NG22 9DF. Tel: 01623 821312 Web: www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/home/leisure/arts/ruffordcraftcentre.htm

HAMLYN LODGE COTTAGE INDUSTRY

TS Barrows & Son, based at Hamlyn Lodge in Ollerton Village, specialises in the restoration of furniture from all periods, the making of bespoke furniture and the refurbishment of architectural woodwork and interiors. Established in 1935 by Thomas Sydney Barrows, a trained cabinet maker, the business has been handed down through the generations to his grandsons, who continue this skilled craft and welcome visitors to Hamlyn Lodge to view their work.

	Location: Ollerton Village. There is a free car park nearby
	Admission: free
	Contact: Hamlyn Lodge, Station Road, Ollerton, Newark, NG22 9BN Tel: 01623 823600. Web: www.hamlynlodge.co.uk

SHERWOOD FOREST ART AND CRAFT CENTRE

A few minutes walk from Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre, in the Victorian coach house and stables of Edwinstowe Hall, you will find a collection of 13 studios set around a central courtyard.

Visitors can see craftspeople working with different media, such as glass, copper and wood to create original and beautiful items, many of which are for sale. There is also a café within the centre.

	Location: signposted in Edwinstowe. Parking is free of charge
	Admission: free
	Contact: Forest Corner, Edwinstowe, NG21 9RN Tel: 01623 824976/824033. Web: http://www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk//pp/Gold/viewGold.asp?id=1937

HARLEY GALLERY

The award-winning Harley Gallery is located on the Welbeck Estate, near Worksop. It showcases contemporary art, design and photography through its exhibitions and retail outlet, which has been recognised for its quality by the Crafts Council. Located in the kitchen garden area of the site are working studios, with space for up to 30 artists and craftspeople. Once a year, in November, these are opened to the public. The resident artists are supported by the Harley Foundation, a charitable trust set up by the Duchess of Portland in 1977 “to encourage creativity in all of us” and to ensure the continuation of specialist hand-skills in an age of mass production. For art historians, The Treasury Gallery shows a collection of decorative arts from the Portland Collection, which spans four centuries. There is a café opposite the gallery.

	Location: the entrance to the part of the Estate housing Harley Gallery is signposted off the A60. Parking is free of charge
	Admission: free
	Contact: Welbeck, Worksop, S80 3LT Tel: 01909 501700. Web: www.harleygallery.co.uk

THORESBY COURTYARD AND GALLERY

Marie-Louise Pierrepont who lived at Thoresby was a keen artist who explored a range of artistic styles. Her legacy can be viewed at Thoresby Gallery, based in a converted stable block, alongside a diverse range of modern-day affordable arts and crafts.

The Courtyard complex also houses a glass-blowing studio (with resident parrot!), jewellery and interiors shops, and a café. Regular art exhibitions are also staged.

Next to the Courtyard you can find Deepdale Design, a company that creates contemporary, vibrant artwork in wood, metal and leather that is inspired by their original photography.

	Location: signposted from the A614 at Ollerton Roundabout. Parking is free of charge
	Admission: free
	Contact: Thoresby Courtyard, Thoresby Park, NG22 9EP Tel: 01623 822009. Web: www.thoresby.com