As part of a new exhibition 'Accessories: Wearing Your Story' (opening September 2026) , St Albans Museum + Gallery is inviting local accessory makers to apply for the opportunity to showcase their work in our Museum + Gallery shop.
Each month during the exhibition, a selected maker will be featured on a display table in St Albans Museum + Gallery shop, giving visitors the chance to discover and purchase unique pieces created by talented local designers.
Applications will be reviewed by a selection panel, with successful makers chosen based on creativity, quality, originality and suitability for display within the Museum + Gallery shop.
Whether you're an established creative or an emerging maker, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply below and tell us about your work in less than 200 words. Include links to your website and/or social media or portfolio where available and information about your practice.
Submission of an application constitutes acceptance of the Terms and Conditions below. Applicants are encouraged to read them carefully before applying.
Application deadline: 23 August 2026.
Terms & Conditions
1. Eligibility
1.1 The showcase is open to accessory makers aged 18 or over.
1.2 Applicants must be able to deliver and collect their work from St Albans Museum + Gallery at the dates and times specified by the organiser.
1.3 Applications are welcomed from both professional and emerging makers.
1.4 Entries must be received by midnight on 23 August 2026, no late entries will be accepted.
2. Application Process
2.1 Submission of an application does not guarantee selection.
2.2 All applications will be reviewed by St Albans Museums, and selection decisions will be final. No further correspondence will be entered into.
2.3 The organiser reserves the right to limit the number of makers and displayed items due to space or retail requirements.
2.4 Preference will be given to local suppliers and makers.
3. Selection Criteria
3.1 Entries should relate to the theme of accessories and demonstrate originality, creativity and quality of craftsmanship.
3.2 The organiser reserves the right not to display any item considered unsuitable, unsafe, offensive, misleading, or inconsistent with the aims of the exhibition.
4. Display of Work
4.1 Makers grant St Albans Museums permission to display and sell selected items for the duration of their showcase.
4.2 The organiser reserves the right to determine the final location, layout and presentation of all exhibits.
4.3 Position in the shop will be on a table (not the jewellery cube).
4.4 Available makers' months are 4 September-1 October 2026, 2 October-29 October 2026, 30 October-26 November 2026, 27 November-7 January 2027. Selected makers will be allocated a month.
5. Sales
5.1 Where sales are permitted, pricing, commission arrangements and payment procedures will be confirmed separately.
5.2 Makers are responsible for ensuring that all products comply with relevant UK legislation and safety requirements.
5.3 Selected makers will be offered promotional activity within the shop, and products will be purchased on consignment (sale or return) with unsold stock being returned to the maker at the end of their maker month. Replenishment orders will placed on a case-by-case basis.
6. Insurance and Liability
6.1 Whilst reasonable care will be taken, St Albans Museums and St Albans City and District Council accept no liability for loss, theft or damage to submitted items.
6.2 Makers are responsible for arranging their own insurance cover where required.
6.3 Exhibitors participate at their own risk.
7. Intellectual Property
7.1 Makers retain ownership of all intellectual property rights in their work.
7.2 By participating, makers grant St Albans Museums a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to photograph and reproduce images of submitted work for promotional, marketing, educational and exhibition-related purposes.
7.3 Appropriate credit will be given to makers wherever reasonably practicable.
8. Marketing and Publicity
8.1 The organiser may use submitted images, maker biographies and artwork details in printed and digital promotional materials.
8.2 Selected makers may be featured on the St Albans Museums website, social media channels, press releases and other marketing materials.
9. Installation and Collection
9.1 Makers must deliver and collect their work on the dates communicated by the organiser.
9.2 Items not collected within 30 days of the agreed collection date may be disposed of or otherwise managed at the organiser's discretion.
10. Cancellation
10.1 The organiser reserves the right to amend, postpone or cancel the showcase at any time due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control.
10.2 The organiser shall not be liable for any costs incurred by applicants as a result of cancellation or changes to the event.
11. Data Protection
11.1 Personal information supplied as part of the application process will be used solely for administering the showcase and related communications.
11.2 Personal data will be processed in accordance with applicable UK data protection legislation and St Albans City and District Council's Privacy Policy.
12. Acceptance
12.1 Submission of an application constitutes acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.
12.2 The organiser reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions where necessary.