Dedham Art & Craft Centre

Specialties

Welcome!

Dedham Art & Craft Centre is situated in the heart of Constable Country on the Essex/​Suffolk border. Housed in a converted church in this popular village, the Centre exudes historic charm and is the perfect place to visit, shop and eat. Three floors showcase the work of more than 60 artisans and the inspired buying skills of specialist retailers

— a paradise to explore for the casual browser and enthusiastic shopper.

History

Established in 1984.

The original chapel was built in simple style, with a foot bridge over the Black Brook, in the summer of 1738. By 1870 the congregation had outgrown the building and plans were made to build a larger church. The old chapel was demolished due to dilapidation and the memorial stone was laid on Thursday 26^th October 1871. The course of the brook had to be diverted as it ran through the proposed site and a new foot bridge built. The new church opened on the 26^th June 1872. On the 21^st June 1972 the Congregational Chapel became a United Reform Church which closed it’s doors on 31^st December 1979 due to dwindling numbers.

Peter Andrew submitted plans for conversion to an Art and Craft Centre in 1980. Unfortunately he passed away a month before it opened on 9^th April 1984.

The Centre has seen much change over the years but it is still home to over 70 artisans and specialist retailers.