5 Favourites from Polly Macpherson

May 9, 2024

There are just 4 weeks until Craft Festival and we can’t wait!

In this week’s 5 Favourites we asked our good friend, Polly Macpherson to choose her 5 Favourites.

Polly Macpherson is Associate Professor and Associate Head in the School of Art, Design & Architecture at University of Plymouth. She is also Co-Investigator for the Green Maker Initiative Project.

Polly was also one of the of this year’s selectors for Bovey Tracey and she had a mammoth task.

Having had the privilege of being on the Craft Festival maker selection panel, I can safely say that the quality of work presented is incredible. The detailing of organisation behind the scenes is mind blowing, and the ability to not only ‘make it happen,’ but create the weekend that is joyful and a fun time for all, is an outstanding achievement.

We are launching a New Award at this year’s Festival, the People’s Choice Award. Buy your tickets in advance before June 1st and you will be sent a link to choose your favourite from this year’s Festival. The Winner will be annouced on Sunday June 9th.

Read on for Polly’s 5 Favourites.

BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW & SAVE

Alex Finberg

First off, I have chosen Woodworker & Craftsman Alex Finberg.
Alex is a member of our Green Maker Initiative and his beautiful work in particular spoons, give me a sense of calm and wellbeing as joyful objects.

Sue Pryke
⁠
Homeware ceramicist Sue Pryke is my second choice.
Sue’s blissfully simple and wonderfully functional works are incredibly well made timeless objects of beauty.

Michaela McMillan

My third choice is Michaela McMillan. Michaela’s explosively intense sculptures are full of colour, texture and stories constantly allowing my eyes to discover new effects and decorative methods.

Sophia Elouise

Choice number four is the handmade work of Sophia Elouise.
Sophia’s objects are a fantastic celebration of form and nature materials that are not only visually beautiful but also hugely functional, making them a joy to use.

Christian O’Reilly

My final choice is the wonderfully elegant work of Christian O’Reilly.
Christian’s furniture is designed to not only to be fully functional but to be visually joyful in equal measures. I know just looking at his pieces that they will be blissfully smooth to the touch which will be completely delightful for the user.

Related stories

Aberteifi LIVE 

October 30 + 31Various venues across Cardigan Hello everyone! We’re delighted that Craft Festival Wales is supporting Gŵyl ABERTEIFI LIVE, taking place across Cardigan on 30 + 31 October. It’s shaping up to be a brilliant weekend of music, ideas and connection, with more than 45 gigs across five venues.

read full story
Find a Maker BIG Weekend, MAKE Southwest, Bovey Tracey

13–14 November 2026 This Christmas, makers take centre stage at MAKE Southwest as Find a Maker brings together two special events celebrating the people, skills and creativity behind handmade work. On 13 and 14 November, Find a Maker takes over MAKE Southwest for a special Find a Maker Weekend, bringing our

read full story
Find A Maker Christmas Showcase

November 7th to January 16th We have joined forces with our friends at MAKE Southwest to present the Find a Maker Christmas Showcase. Bringing together a rich mix of ceramics, glass, jewellery, leather, paper, print, textiles, willow and mixed media. Featured makers include Birgit Pohl Ceramics, Sarah Monk Ceramics, Teifi

read full story