Arts and crafts in Surrey
Surrey (including Elmbridge, Epsom and Ewell, Guildford, Mole Valley, Reigate and Banstead, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Tandridge, Waverley and Woking) is in the South East of England. It has a population of around 1,100,000 and covers approximately 170,000 hectares. Here is a list of nearby or neighbouring counties: Berkshire, East Sussex, Hampshire, Kent, London, Middlesex, West Sussex.
Surrey borders London, where many of its residents commute to work, and its landscape includes the beautiful Surrey Hills. Visitors to the county town of Guildford can see local archaeology and history reflected in exhibits on show at the Guildford Museum. There are a number of small art galleries on the high street and Guildford House Gallery, a listed 17th century house displays works by local artists including John Russell, as well as hosting arts and crafts events. Surrey has a number of National Trust properties including Oakhurst cottage, which was built during the 16th century and 17th century Ham House, which has a collection of textiles and furniture. Performing arts venues in Surrey include the Rose Theatre in Kingston upon Thames, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford, Richmond Theatre, Fairfield Halls in Croydon and the Orange Tree Theatre in Richmond.
The Crafts Study Centre, located in Farnham, is an internationally recognised museum of modern British crafts. Exhibits on display in the collection include textiles, ceramics and furniture, as well as makers notes, diaries and photographs. The museum is open to the public and in addition to being a centre of research, also hosts exhibitions including works of contemporary crafts and runs craft workshops. The Rural Life Centre in Farnham is a museum of village life as it was lived in the past, which has buildings including a forge, wind pump, stable block, granary and wheelwrights shop, along with a wide variety of equipment and tools used in rural crafts. The collection brings together artefacts evocative of country life in 19th century Britain. Other places you could visit in Surrey include Dorking Museum and Heritage Centre, Guildford Castle, Kew Palace and Queen Charlottes Cottage in Richmond, Spike Heritage Centre in Guildford and Hampton Court Palace in East Molesey.
Polesden Lacey in Great Bookham is a fine Edwardian house that has played host to many a King and Queen. Visit the house to view many fine works of art, furniture, porcelain and architectural splendor. The saloon is without doubt one of the most opulent rooms you will ever see.
