From 1880 to 1920 the Arts and Crafts movement was flourishing in the North of England, especially in the Lancashire area around Manchester. In 1878 the City and Guilds Institute of London was created to improve the training of craftspeople.

 

In 1921 three wise men got together and formed the Association of Painting Craft Teachers. whose main purpose was to improve the quality and standard of teaching in Painting and Decorating throughout the UK.   From these early beginnings the APCT grew and is one of the oldest teaching associations in the World.

 

To celebrate the 100th Anniversary of this momentous occasion, the APCT have teamed up with Heritage Trust for the Northwest to put on an Exhibition of artefacts used in the teaching of painting and decorating from the 1920’s to the present day.   This will feature examples of work by some of the UK’s Master Craftsmen, including the late Zeph Carr of Sheffield (formerly of Preston), the late Bill Holgate of Clitheroe, Terry Taylor of Blackburn, and Walter Riley of Great Harwood.