Inspirational Artisans, Crafts & Makers

Meet, shop and learn from a thriving creative community 

We live, breathe and love creativity here in Telford! From tile and teddy bear makers continuing centuries-old traditions to digital creators and bicycle makers at the cutting edge of their crafts, our artisan community is thriving. You only have to step into one of the many studios or browse the carefully curated shops to feel the creative energy that makes Telford buzz. 
Even better, our amazing artisans are keen to share their skills with you through meet-the-maker experiences and workshops. Learn to make anything from coracles and bikes to ceramics and breads. Of course, you can simply buy their wares too!

5 ways to get creative in Telford: 

1.    Visit the UK’s oldest teddy bear makers. Merrythought, a heritage British brand, still makes teddies in the same Ironbridge factory where it opened its doors in 1930. Its traditional teddy bears are made to last generations. Merrythought even made the Edward bear used in film epic Goodbye Christopher Robin? Visit their shop and cuddle the latest collection. 

2.    Step into an artisan community. Maws Craft Centre’s charming courtyard is surrounded by some of Telford’s most creative artisan businesses. Meet the makers, watch them at work, join a workshop or buy directly from them. Choose from Butterbelle’s array of handmade nut butters, pick up some colourful wool from Lay Family Yarn and swoon over Mist’s jewellery range! Check out Jay Blade’s (of The Repair Shop fame) vibrant reupholstery designs too. The creative life is hard work, so stop for lunch at The Press Café!

3.    Get lost in textile and design. Immerse yourself in The Bolthole, an interior design studio where you can buy or commission pieces for your home, or join a course to hone your own interior design skills. You could learn anything from seat upholstery to ‘boro’, the Japanese art of visible mending. 

4.    Surround yourself with blooms. The fields of Telford burst with blooms from March to October – perfect for supporting the Shropshire Land Girls’ ethos of seasonal, British flowers.  Buy a bouquet or join them for a floral workshop (with tea and cake) in their beautiful big flower barn, which is heated by a log burner in the colder months.

5.    Browse the shops. Bridgnorth, in the Severn Valley, is a character-packed high-and-low market town with a talent for window dressing – it’s the perfect place for a shopping spree! Wander the streets and inspiration will strike but make time to visit Tea & Roses (you can’t miss it, the window displays are extraordinary). The hand-painted furniture is beautiful, and there’s a cheeky teashop at the back!