Started in the 80’s

Hay Makers is a co-operative of professional designer makers that has flourished since opening in the 1980s.

Having had great success with a ‘pop-up’ exhibition as part of the first Hay Festival in 1987, the same group of local makers decided to open their own gallery the following year. Initially it opened from April to September and due to the popularity of Hay-on-Wye, the bookshops and positive feedback from our customers we decided to trade throughout the year. The gallery flourished and we became a registered cooperative. We are now in our 35th year of trading and continue to showcase the best of British crafts together with the work of our members, which still includes two of the original makers.

Visitors will find a broad range of work on display throughout the year from both The Hay Makers and Guest Artists, as the gallery organises seasonal exhibitions showing the work of some of the finest contemporary British makers.

Our gallery has gained a reputation for an exciting selection of high quality crafts and a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The co-operative showcases many disciplines including:

Ceramics, Embroidery, Felt, Jewellery, Prints, Stone, Wood.