Gallery 10

Gallery 10 is the workshop of Erica Appleton who started making handbags under her Duck & Dart label in 2016. Erica has designed every bag in her collection, starting with a sketch before moving onto cutting paper templates as pattern pieces, and finally drawing a design which she individually screenprints to feature on the front and back of each bag. Each printed piece is created to exactly fit the contours of one of her bag designs, so each bag she makes is a one-off and entirely handcrafted. Her artwork is largely inspired by the Norfolk countryside in which she grew up, and you will find herons, hares, owls, boats and wild flowers within her designs. Erica’s vintage Vesta sewing machine is set up in the Gallery so you will likely find her stitching away when you visit! Erica will happily make a bag to order in particular colours, so please do get in touch for more information.

Local artists Emily Longhurst and Justine Williamson also exhibit work at Gallery 10, and we are lucky that they both produce some of their work here at Alby Crafts.

Emily creates unique hand painted boats using driftwood and reclaimed wood for the hull, with the sail becoming her canvas. She is constantly inventing new styles to add to her collection but has become well known for her striking illustrative night sky and moon seascapes. You will normally find Emily in the Gallery on a Tuesday.

Justine is an artist with an inherent love of textiles, and passion for colour and texture. The environment in which she lives also inspires herstunning creations which often feature the Norfolk coastline and landscapes.Justine is a member of the ‘institches’ group which exhibits annually at Blicking Hall. You will usually find Justine in the gallery on a Friday.

Gallery 10 also showcases the work of a number of other established and emerging artists and makers working in Norfolk including jewellery, stained glass, enamel ware, woodcraft and creative textiles. The collection will change throughout the year so please come and have a look to see what we have in the gallery today!