Arts and crafts in South Yorkshire
South Yorkshire (including Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield) is in the Yorkshire and The Humber of England. It has a population of around 1,343,000 and covers approximately 155,000 hectares. Here is a list of nearby or neighbouring counties: Derbyshire, East Riding of Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, North Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, West Yorkshire.
The county of South Yorkshire is located east of the Pennines, was formed in 1974 and is made up of the four metropolitan boroughs of Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and the city of Sheffield. Barnsley is home to Elsecar Heritage Centre, which houses art galleries, studios and shops as well as running arts and crafts workshops and events including craft fairs. Doncaster Museum and Art Gallery has collections of archaeology, local history, natural history and works of art, as well as hosting a range of temporary exhibitions. Clifton Park Museum in Rotherham has exhibits from local history and decorative arts, such as a collection of Rockingham Pottery that includes the impressive porcelain Rhinoceros Vase. Sheffield has hundred of listed buildings as well as a number of art galleries, museums and theatres. The city holds a range of cultural events throughout the year, including Open Up Sheffield which is held for two weeks each May and showcases the work of local visual artists and creators of handmade crafts. Performing arts venues in South Yorkshire include the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, the Cast in Doncaster, the Civic in Barnsley and the Lyceum Theatre in Sheffield.
South Yorkshire has a number of country houses which are open to the public. Cannon Hall and its grounds were redeveloped by the Spencer family during the 18th century, using wealth they amassed from the local coal mining and iron industries. During the 1950s the house and estate were purchased by Barnsley council and today visitors can explore the house and ornate gardens. Cannon Hall Museum has a collection, which includes paintings, furniture and arts and crafts exhibits such as pottery and glassware. Wentworth Castle is an 18th century country house located near Barnsley and visitors strolling through the estates gardens and parkland can enjoy the only South Yorkshire landscape that has been Grade 1 listed. There are also guided tours available of the interior of Wentworth Castle and a range of events are held in the grounds, including theatrical performances, craft workshops and historical re-enactments. Other attractions in South Yorkshire include Cusworth Hall in Doncaster, the ruins of Roche Abbey in Rotherham, the Experience Barnsley Museum and Discovery Centre, the Millennium Gallery in Sheffield and Mansion House in Doncaster.
