It looks set to be another success.

Back in July Simon Gudgeon organised one of the first major events to be held in Dorset after lockdown.

The inaugural three-day Dorset Arts Festival won widespread acclaim with 1,800 people attending the event at Sculpture by the Lakes, near Dorchester.

Now Simon is hosting a new event featuring more than 80 artists and makers in the six week run-up to Christmas.

Cu Designs

The Gallery at Sculpture by the Lakes is to be transformed  into the Artisans’ Bazaar with curated displays of eye-catching artwork, jewellery, sculpture, ceramic and more.

The artists and makers, many from the Dorset area, will have their work displayed from November 7 to December 23 at the free event.

Visitors will be able to explore unique and beautiful creations across a range of artistic mediums and techniques, from glasswork to ceramic, painting to textiles, wood carving to weaving and leatherwork to jewellery.

Suzette Knight Ceramics

Exhibitors include Suzette Knight and her ‘hand-built’ ceramics, printmaker Paul Cleden, silverwear designer Karina Gill and Claire Richards with her raffia craft creations, to name just a few.

Jack Darley of Woodshop 51 will be exhibiting his hardwood products after realising his talent for woodworking in lockdown as his wedding photography business ground to a halt.

Another maker branching out is Colin Anderson, who started a new career as a potter on his 90th birthday at the beginning of this year.

It has given him time to practise, and the results can be seen exclusively at the Artisans’ Bazaar.

The park’s Cafe by the Lakes will also be open during the event, so visitors can combine the experience with a coffee or a lunch.

Simon Gudgeon, sculptor and owner of Sculpture by the Lakes, said: “The Artisans’ Bazaar will be a pleasure to explore and a truly unique Christmas shopping experience with a wealth of artefacts and artworks on sale.

“Rather than the same old mass-produced stuff, shoppers at this event will take home some very special gifts to be treasured.

Rachel Reilly

“There will be something to suit everyone’s taste.

“Not only will there be art for your walls, but you’ll also find pieces for the garden, for your coffee tables, and pieces which you can wear.”

The event is being organised by Simon and Monique Gudgeon, owners of Sculpture by the Lakes.

The park, near Dorchester, features more than 30 of Simon’s internationally-recognised sculptures, set in spectacular gardens maintained by his wife Monique and a team of gardeners.

Simon has an extensive history of celebrating fellow artists’, featuring their work in his gallery spaces, as well as hosting workshops and events, including the aforementioned Dorset Arts Festiva.l

“This new event brings together a group of incredibly talented creative individuals, unified by their high levels of skill and the fact that their work is beautiful,” said Simon.

“It will be a feast for all the senses and visitors will not only want to take it all in, but also, I hope, want to take a little of that experience home to share with loved ones too.”

Harbourwood Design

The Artisans’ Bazaar at Sculpture by the Lakes, Dorchester, will run from Tuesday to Saturday every week from November 7 to December 223.

In accordance with Covid-19 rules face masks must be worn by all visitors to the Artisans’ Bazaar.

Numbers at any one time will be limited in order to support social distancing.

To find out more about the Artisans’ Bazaar, please visit: https://www.sculpturebythelakes.co.uk/artisans-bazaar.

Tickets for Sculpture by the Lakes can be booked at https://www.sculpturebythelakes.co.uk/