Experience the magic of a handmade, curated Christmas at The Art House with the much-anticipated return of Makers Wonderland
Wakefield’s most enchanting festive exhibition returns this winter as Makers Wonderland once again transforms The Art House’s beautiful Tiled Gallery in its Grade II listed building into a cosy, curated space brimming with creativity, colour and craft.
Blending the spirit and charm of a traditional Christmas market with the curated elegance of a contemporary gallery, Makers Wonderland invites visitors to step into a joyful and festive world of local design and artistry. From small, thoughtful treasures to generous, one-of-a-kind gifts, each item has been carefully curated to celebrate exceptional collections to showcase some of the most inspiring artists, makers, and designers, from across the North of England.
Visitors can browse an inspiring selection of handcrafted pieces while relaxing with a festive drink, taking in the sights and stories behind each work. Every item in the gallery is available to purchase and take away on the day, making it the perfect opportunity to find unique gifts that give back to independent artists and makers. Christmas shopping made immersive, easy and cosy!
Through this year’s exhibition, The Art House continues its commitment to championing independent makers, nurturing creativity and supporting the region’s vibrant artistic community. Each featured artist embodies the beauty of the handmade, where care and skill, as well as creative imagination come together in every piece.
Featured Makers: This year’s Makers Wonderland brings together an extraordinary group of artists and designers from across the North of England. Visitors will discover Lucy Jo Newell of NYOO, whose handmade textile homewares and accessories celebrate colour and comfort, alongside Hannah Way’s hand-thrown, ‘build-your-own’ candlesticks, mugs and tableware made in The Art House Ceramics Studio.
The collection continues with designer Laura Slater’s signature hand-printed homewares and Olivia Campbell’s delicately crafted paper flowers, works that combine artistry with a touch of festive magic. Tom Archer, Founder of Skógr Studio presents Cubism-inspired wooden homewares that blur the line between sculpture and design, while Katharine Tyrrell-Lewis showcases her beautifully wheel-thrown and hand-decorated ceramics.
Jeweller Will Sharp contributes contemporary pieces in recycled silver and plant-based thermoplastic, paired with Hollie Latham of Alchemilla Floral, whose everlasting dried flower arrangements capture the subtle poetry of the natural world. Laura Taylor’s frosted mirrors and ceramic forms add a cool, modern elegance, complemented by Wakefield Designer Ellie Way’s evocative Seasons prints and Ruth Wilde’s hand-built, hand-painted ceramic vessels.
So, this festive season, shop local, shop independent, and make your Christmas as meaningful as it is magical.
Why not make a day of it! Take your time to peruse, pick up and touch your gifts. Then warm up with a seasonal hot chocolate or mulled wine, as well as explore our new festive menu in the Coffee House.
The Makers Wonderland selling exhibition is open Monday to Saturday, 9:30am–4pm, with a special late-night shopping event on Wednesday 26 November, when The Art House will remain open until 8pm. The Art House is FREE!
Can’t make it to Wakefield? You can still be part of Makers Wonderland, as a curated selection of works is available to buy online – shop-the-arthouse.org.uk