The Rory Young House

We are a small group that has created a trust to establish a visitor and crafts centre based in Cirencester, in the heart of the Cotswolds.  It will be in the former home of artist Rory Young, an extraordinary artist, educator and craftsman who died three years ago. He lived in a wonderful old house on Park Street, which is still full of the beautiful handmade things he created or collected. Rory was keen that his legacy continue by opening his house to the public after his death. 

We hope to fulfil Rory's wishes by creating a living museum at No.7 Park Street and acquiring the neighbouring buildings that also belonged to him for ancillary functions, including gallery space, a teaching area, and accommodation for art students or artists in residence. We are planning a creative programme to engage people with the arts and crafts, and especially to provide affordable opportunities to inspire young people who are keen to start a career working with their hands.  

We also aim to complete Rory’s ‘Court of Memory’ sculpture courtyard, which he started but did not manage to finish in his lifetime. He left detailed plans for this, and we will engage and train young people through the work.  While Rory’s work is rooted in tradition, he was very forward-thinking, and we want the project to appeal to a new generation of craftspeople.