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Even before it opens later this month, the new applied arts complex was the subject of an event held at Tate Modern, spiritual home of Britain's contemporary art world.
In an evening hosted by Tom Dyckhoff, presenter on BBC2's The Culture Show, an enthralled audience heard the architects of the new Ruthin Craft Centre give a presentation about the project.

Jonathan Sergison and Stephen Bates of the London-based firm Sergison Bates architects, described the challenges of the huge venture to create the most important contemporary applied arts venue in Wales.

The budget for the purpose-built new building was £4.4 million, including £3.15 million from the Arts Council of Wales' Capital Lottery Funding - the largest grant of its kind made to North Wales.

Inside are three galleries - two for displaying the best contemporary craft from Wales and around the world, the other a collections gallery and a retail gallery space.

There are also studios for artists, educational and residency facilities, a café and a tourist information cultural gateway.

The whole complex is set round a courtyard that acts as a focal point and outdoor social space.

Outdoor furniture, for this area, has been designed by renowned designers Jim Partridge and Liz Walmsley.

But the project also had to blend into its surroundings and convey a sense of the spirit of Denbighshire.

The craft centre is built of cast stone with reddish-pink tones that shift across the building.

The roof is of zinc and captures shapes and colours from the surrounding hills of the Vale of Clwyd.

The other funders of the craft centre are the Welsh Assembly Government (Department of Economy and Transport), Denbighshire County Council, Ruthin Town Council and Cadwyn Clwyd.

There is a private view of the new centre on Saturday, July 26 for invited guests only before it opens to the public later this month.


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