October 13th, 2026
Then, Now and Next: Walford Mill, Forty Years in the Making
Furniture maker and President of the Walford Mill Education Trust, Simon Pirie, will lead a discussion with three distinguished makers: Debby Kirby, a silk weaver and resident maker at the Mill for forty years; Jonathan Garratt, a potter who creates terracotta, sculpture and slipware using locally dug clay and wood firing; and Ruth Dresman, a glass artist whose nature-inspired work uses sandblasting to create rich layers of colour and texture.
Together, the four will reflect on the Mill’s role in leading the crafts in Dorset, share their experiences as professional makers and explore how the landscape of craft has changed over the past four decades. They will also look ahead and consider what the future might hold for makers, craftsmanship and Walford Mill.
Hosted by The Little Pickle Café at Walford Mill, guests are invited to arrive from 7pm for a welcome drink. The discussion will take place from 7.30pm until 8.30pm, followed by an opportunity to continue the conversation and mingle with the speakers and fellow guests until 9pm.
Weds 21 Oct, welcome drinks at 7pm, discussion starts at 7.30 - 8.30pm, close at 9pm
Tickets £10 per person, includes welcome drink
Little Pickle at the Mill, Walford Mill, Knobcrook Road, Wimborne, BH21 1NL
Image: Ruth Dresman