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In 2026, here at Manchester Craft & Design Centre, we are beyond proud to celebrate three extraordinary makers whose combined dedication spans nearly a century of creativity.
Anne Rowson. Tracey Birchwood. Colette Hazelwood.
These remarkable women didn’t just rent studios – they helped build the very foundations of what MCAD is today.
Back when we were a Cooperative, they weren’t simply makers; they were leaders. Between them, they steered the Centre as Chair, Treasurer and Secretary, shaping the structure and spirit that still defines us. Tracey even volunteered as the cleaner for a short time, all hands on deck! As directors of the Manchester Craft Centre (as it was known then), their commitment, resilience and belief in independent craft helped create a thriving creative community in what is, and always has been, a fiercely competitive marketplace.
And the stories they tell…
Free car parking right at the back door for every tenant – can you imagine?
A relentless David Bowie playlist echoing through the building thanks to resident chef Nigel.
Even a royal visit from Charles III, long before the crown.
40 Years – Anne Rowson
Four decades ago, Anne arrived at The Manchester Craft Centre and within 7 years opened her second shop in the Royal Exchange. The Manchester bomb in 1996 took that away, but what could have been an ending became a powerful new reinvention of spirit in her business at MCAD.
Originally working in copper and silver, Anne’s practice has evolved with quiet confidence over the years. Today she is a highly respected jeweller, known for exquisite craftsmanship in precious metals and premium stones – timeless, refined and masterfully
30 Years – Tracey Birchwood
Tracey landed 30 years ago as a ceramist, bringing with her small-scale, quirky, brightly coloured porcelain-ware that quickly became iconic – not just within our Centre, but across leading contemporary galleries throughout the UK.
Never one to stand still, her work has transformed over three decades into playful, vibrant ceramic and silver jewellery – fun, fearless and unmistakably Tracey.
25 Years – Colette Hazelwood
Colette joined our creative cohort after being talent-spotted at the Manchester Metropolitan 3D Design show. Her debut Barb Wire collection – experimental, witty and slightly mischievous – marked the beginning of a bold journey into contemporary silver jewellery.
Over 25 years, her work has grown into something even more compelling: unconventional, alluring and confidently distinctive precious metal pieces that challenge expectations while remaining beautifully wearable.
Today, their businesses – RA Design, Tracey Birchwood Jewellery and Colette Hazelwood Contemporary Jewellery – have flourished beyond our walls, each with custom-built studios in Hadfield, Northenden and Chapel-en-le-Frith.
Yet their legacy remains woven into the fabric of MCAD.
Forty. Thirty. Twenty-five.
Not just numbers – but years of risk-taking, reinvention, leadership and unwavering belief in the power of making.
And we couldn’t be prouder!
Images above from left to right: Anne Rowson, Tracey Birchwood and Colette Hazelwood.
Images below from left to right: Jewellery by Anne Rowson, Tracey Birchwood and Colette Hazelwood.
