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