Ruthin craft centre is a hit with the critics

Aug 13 2008 By David Simister

RUTHIN’S rejuvenated craft centre, which reopened last month after a megabucks makeover, has won praise from top writers in a national newspaper.

The hub for arts and crafts, on Park Road, was praised by the Sunday Telegraph for its £4.4m makeover, who said it was a centre of excellence in contemporary applied art.

"The redevelopment of the Craft Centre has been a major project and the result is a tremendous building that reflects the contemporary nature of the development whilst in keeping with its surroundings" said Councillor David Thomas, the county council’s Cabinet Lead Member for Regeneration.

"Anyone visiting the new facilities cannot fail to be impressed with the development and with an exciting programme of exhibitions in place, it is truly a inspirational place."

The article, published in The Sunday Telegraph on August 11, is written by ceramicist Walter Keeler. He describes the site as a "strikingly modern reworking of the site that lifts up its eyes to the hills and makes a bold connection with the surrounding country. Its zinc -covered roof replicates in sweeping zigzags to the outline of the hills, at the same time nodding towards the region's past."

Ruthin Craft Centre reopened on July 28 following its glamorous makeover, funded by a partnership including the county council and Ruthin Town Council, as well as a lottery grant from the Arts Council for Wales.

For more information about Ruthin Craft Centre, visit the website online at www.ruthincraftcentre.co.uk