Lady Carolyn Elwes

Lady Carolyn Elwes, a long-term patron of the Gloucestershire Guild of Craftsmen, died suddenly on 23 December 2022.

When I took over the role of Chairman of the Guild in the summer of 2009, she invited me to Colesbourne Park, the home she shared with her husband, Sir Henry Elwes, then Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire. She showed me her intriguing collection of dolls' houses, many of which included textiles and other pieces that she had designed and made. She was knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the crafts, a keen needlewoman in her own right, and extremely supportive of the Guild and its members.

She thought the proposed move of the Guild shop from Painswick to Cheltenham was absolutely right for the Guild and assisted in the fund-raising process. She also invited the Guild members to Colesbourne Park on several occasions to enjoy the spectacular display of snowdrops and to share her knowledge and passion for this winter flower. The snowdrops I bought on these visits are currently flowering in our garden, bringing hope of spring in their wake. The Guild was also able to hold its AGM meetings at Colesbourne on a number of occasions and Carolyn would often join us, asking searching questions and offering good advice as well as her hospitality. She will be much missed.