The Duke of Edinburgh visited Farnham on February 12, marking the town’s fifth anniversary as England’s first heritage-packed World Craft Town.
The Duke began at the University of Creative Arts, which proudly celebrates 170 years of championing practice-based arts education.
He tried blowing glass, causing his security team to nervously watch the ovens. Despite the tense atmosphere, the royal impressed tutor Laura Quinn with her style.
As a memento, she received a teardrop-shaped glass vase reflecting her own creation, along with artwork by student Ella Stevenson.
Surrounded by historic kilns and working studios, the Duke met creators whose craftsmanship has helped cement Farnham’s reputation on the world stage.
With the presence of Professor Aftab Gharda, Regional Director of the World Crafts Council, the celebrations reflected not only local pride but also the growing global opportunity for the creative community.
The visit concluded with the unveiling of a plaque and a moving call from Edward for the town to “keep up the good work.”
Following the engagement, Farnham Pottery took to Instagram to publicly thank the Duke for his visit.
