OUR STORY

Blue Magpie, now in its ninth year, has grown from a small fair with 12 makers to one that now hosts over 34 different designer makers and welcomes up to 800 visitors to its bi-annual Blue Magpie Contemporary Craft Fairs.

Blue Magpie grew from the passion of its Founder, Anna Taylor, who has had a love of craft and design her whole life. From learning to draw and paint with her aunt as a child, to becoming a silversmith herself, Anna is passionate about craft and supporting other makers. Her dream was to create a space where makers could showcase their work and following the restoration of Elmslie House, where Anna lives with her family, the Blue Magpie Contemporary Craft Fairs were launched.

“The idea of Blue Magpie was born out of wanting to share craft; to promote and support designer makers,who through their talent and craft, make the world a more beautiful place.”

—

Anna Taylor, founder

Blue Magpie has grown year on year, with Anna at the forefront selecting the makers, baking the (amazing) cakes and managing the small, dedicated team. The Blue Magpie Contemporary Craft Fairs are hosted within her incredible home, which is well-established as a go to venue in the heart of Great Malvern, in Worcestershire.

As every craft fair goer knows, where there’s craft, there’s cake and the Blue Magpie fairs are no exception! Anna bakes the most mouth-watering array of cakes and scones for the fairs, which has makers and visitors alike returning time and again to the tearoom that pops up for the events.

“Blue Magpie started out as an idea many, many years ago when I was dabbling with the idea of setting up or taking over a craft gallery. I’ve always considered myself to be a bit of a magpie–but there are already numerous businesses out there with that name, so I needed to find another identity. It was shortly afterwards that I came across an image of a Blue Magpie–and that was it! Great colours. Strong. Bold–perfect for the Scandi-type graphic design that I love!” — Anna Taylor, Founder

Blue Magpie is a Not-for-profit venture, with the small entry fee that craft fair visitors are charged going directly to cover staff and administration costs. This ensures that Blue Magpie can continue to bring contemporary craft to Great Malvern and support the amazing makers that Anna finds on her travels.