ORGANISERS of an exhibition which has helped to increase public knowledge of one of the Cotswolds' great artistic influences say they are being forced to pull the plug on it.

Secretary Frank Johnson at the Guild of Handicraft Trust exhibition in Chipping Campden.

The Guild of Handicraft Trust exhibition was set up four and a half years ago at the trust's base in the Silk Mill in Chipping Campden's Sheep Street.

Now it says it has not had enough visitors to meet the costs and the exhibition will have to close later this month.

Trust secretary Frank Johnson said: "This only represents one aspect of the work we want to develop.

"We are an educational trust and it is not just about maintaining an exhibition although this is an opportunity to come into contact with the public."

It wants to develop other educational activities rather than concentrating resources solely on the exhibition.

The trust was formed in 1990 and opened its exhibition in 1996. It features photographs and documents from the days when the Guild of Handicraft under CR Ashbee was based in Chipping Campden.

Influence

Part of the turn-of-the-century arts and crafts movement, it still has a big influence on many craftsmen and women in the area.

Initially the exhibition was free but, in 1998, the trust introduced a small admission charge, which increased its income but cut the number of visitors.

Still the income did not meet the expenditure so the trust has decided to close the exhibition.

The trust will retain its artefacts and documents, said Mr Johnson, which people will still be able to study by appointment.

Trustees are also looking into the possibility of moving the trust itself to a new base and suggested options include part of the Landmark Trust's property in the town and the disused police station if the town council's plan to buy it comes off, although they say accommodation there is not likely to be suitable.

The trustees hold their AGM at the town hall on October 20 when they hope to make a firm decision that will lead to a permanent home being found for the trust.