Page 18 - CL winter 2023 for web

legal
Expert

crafters

Skills are being tapped and items
created for sale and display in stores,
cafes and shows, reports Mike Casey beechwood chairs for the Botanic
‘ like the work, I like doing this. Garvald’s workshops Cottage at the Royal Botanic

Garden in the city (pictured).
The Botanic Garden’s Laura
I like making things,” says
Gallagher is delighted with the
include textiles,
joinery and baking:
Brian Baird.
commissioned work: “We
top: joiner Brian
approached Garvald because of the
“I always try to do my best. I
Baird; right: baker
sometimes kick myself for not
doing things properly but I
the strong community links.
o
u
“Brian made each one himself.
I ldn’t because it is just part Patrick Dooley quality of the craftsmanship and to the public alongside work by
s
h
of learning. I like to do things that He is a very skilled man and has other professionals and craftspeople.
make us think.” done a wonderful job.” Members produce bread, cakes
Baird, a 49-year-old Garvald Garvald runs more than 20 and biscuits for 14 outlets in
Edinburgh joinery workshop workshops, including textiles, Edinburgh. Art and glass works
member, has produced eight fine glass, baking and confectionery, were shown at the recent Edinburgh
jewellery and puppetry, from Art Fair, and textile products were
Edinburgh and the Lothians. on sale at the Glow design fair.
Supporting people to Established in 1969, Glow founder James Donald
Garvald takes its inspiration says: “The quality of the work really
live the lives they want from the ideas of impresses me. They do a great
philosopher Rudolf Steiner product range and there aren’t that
and social therapy. many weavers out there.”
Imagine Act and Succeed is a We believe any person will Joinery workshop leader Rebecca
registered charity supporting people blossom if they feel valued Kemmer, who works with Baird,
with learning disabilities, autism and and part of a community says: “The people are very capable
older people in Greater Manchester where they are recognised and I would hate for people to
We support people for who they are and not think that just because somebody
to feel connected, diminished by labels. has a disability that they’re not
confident and safe, while We have tried to create an truly skilled.” n
also making a environment where the 230
valuable contribution people who use our facilities Mike Casey is chief executive of
in their community can unleash their creativity Garvald Edinburgh
with a focus on their through arts and crafts. Joe Tree: textile and weaving; Garvald: Brian Baird and chairs; Andrea Thomson Photography: Patrick Dooley
Our Orwell Arts studio,
wellbeing.
for example, has floor-to-
For more information visit: ceiling windows that fill the
space with a light and
www.imagineactandsucceed.co.uk stripped wooden floors.
Imagine Act and Succeed imagineactandsucceed Having a beautiful
environment helps people
to engage fully in their craft.
@ImagineIAS imagineactandsucceed
We also believe in making
for a purpose, with an end
product a creator can be
proud of and sell or display

18 Community Living winter 2023 vol 36 no 2