Arts and crafts in Northamptonshire

Northamptonshire (including Corby, Daventry, East Northamptonshire, Kettering, Northampton, South Northamptonshire and Wellingborough) is in the East Midlands of England. It has a population of around 691,000 and covers approximately 236,000 hectares. Here is a list of nearby or neighbouring counties: Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Leicestershire, Oxfordshire, Rutland, Warwickshire.

Northamptonshire has its main council offices in the county town of Northampton, which during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries was a world leader in the production of shoes and other leather goods. This heritage is reflected in the large collection of historic footwear from around the world to be found in Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, which also houses collections of paintings, ceramics, glass and other artefacts of local historical interest. Lamport Hall is a Grade One listed building, with finely decorated and furnished interiors and is set among picturesque gardens. It has served as a venue for a range of events, including arts and crafts fairs, exhibitions and workshops. Performing arts venues in Northamptonshire include the Lighthouse Theatre in Kettering, the Royal and Derngate Theatre in Northampton and The Castle in Wellingborough.

Located in Northampton, 78 Derngate was built during the early 19th century and during the early 20th century the interiors were remodelled by the designer and architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh. It is the only house in England that Mackintosh was commissioned to design and the property was restored during the early 21st century. There is also a gallery where visitors can purchase contemporary arts and crafts, as well as a calendar of events and exhibitions. Canons Ashby House is a National Trust property and dates back to the 16th century. Inside the house there are impressive Elizabethan wall paintings and fine plasterwork, whilst outside visitors can stroll through the grounds, appreciating the great variety of plants. Other places you might like to visit in Northamptonshire include Althorp House, Cottesbrooke Hall, Wellingborough Museum, Rushton Triangular Lodge, Towcester Museum, Stanwick Lakes, the partly ruined Kirby Hall near Corby and Daventry Country Park.