Polly Powell, the daughter of a Barbican architect, has found her calling in restoring old houses. Her latest project, Makers' House in Ramsgate, is a testament to her passion and expertise. The house, once a sea captain's home, an air raid shelter, and a veterinary practice, was in a state of disrepair when Polly discovered it. However, she saw its potential and fell in love with it, spending 18 months carefully restoring it to its former glory. The house now serves as a creative hub, offering events and residential craft workshops hosted by celebrated textile artists and authors published by Batsford Books, the publishing house Polly used to work for. The restoration process revealed hidden treasures, such as an 1820s staircase and Regency wallpaper, which Polly carefully preserved. The house's nautical connections are reflected in the Edwardian-era roundel, which inspired the renovation decisions. Makers' House is not just a restored building but a reactivated space where the past and present converge. Polly's family history and her love for old houses are intertwined with her professional life, making her the perfect person to bring Makers' House to life. The renewed interest in craft in Britain, according to Polly, is a response to the digital world. The value of making and learning through our hands is growing, and books retain their place in this ecosystem. Makers' House provides a slower rhythm, where visitors can learn, handle materials, and sit with processes that resist instant gratification. Polly's vision for Makers' House is to provide a space for communities to gather around books and the act of making, and she is working towards launching the Ramsgate Festival of Craft in 2027, which will celebrate local makers and their history.
