Ruthin Craft Centre

Ruthin Craft Centre stands in the market town of Ruthin in north Wales. It is a place for contemporary applied arts, showing work from across the country and abroad. The centre opened in July 2008 after the old building was demolished in early 2007. It was rebuilt for £4.3 million and now has six craft workshops, larger galleries, residency studios and an education space. A restaurant and a craft retail gallery are also part of the new building. The centre is run by Denbighshire County Council and funded by the Arts Council of Wales.

The building itself has won awards for its design. It received the 2009 Dewi-Prys Thomas Prize and was shortlisted for the 2009 Art Fund Prize. The Design Commission for Wales called it a ‘Design Delight’. Philip Hughes directed the centre from its opening until 2025, when Samantha Rhodes took over. The centre brings around 90,000 visitors to Ruthin each year.

Inside, visitors find galleries filled with craft and applied art from national and international artists. The craft retail gallery sells works made on site. Outside, the Ruthin Art Trail begins at the centre and leads through the town. The trail has ten spy holes with 22 metal figures on buildings and roofs, showing local history and folklore. Oak benches and newly planted trees guide walkers along Market Street, St Peter’s Square, Clwyd Street and past the Old Gaol. The trail was designed by Lucy Strachan with help from local historians to encourage exploration of Ruthin’s streets and stories.