The Abingdon Traditional Craft Fair returned to the Abbey Buildings this weekend. It is one of Abingdon’s autumn traditions.

The fair brings together makers, not resellers. There was a strong showing from the Oxfordshire Craft Guild and about a dozen local makers, including The Abingdon Honey Co.

and The Abingdon Distillery.

Some crafts people come from further away, such as Tony Morgan of Morgan Leather from Lancashire. He was in the under croft.

The real star, though, is the venue. The Craft Fair began over fifty years ago to raise funds for the Abbey Buildings and still helps support them.

Major refurbishment work is due to start soon, helped by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, other grants, and local donations. Because of this, next year’s fair will have to move elsewhere. Plans for the work were on display at the Abbey Buildings Trust stall.

The Town Crier was out announcing the fair. Behind him, one window showed a glimpse of the future.

Traditionally, the window openings have been covered with opaque canvas and not glass. One has now been replaced with new leaded glass, made to fit the uneven opening. Each opening is different. Though not double-glazed, the windows will make the building warmer and more weather-proof, part of the work to make the building more accessible and usable.

It is hoped that the work will be fully funded and approved by heritage experts and completed in time for the craft fair in 2027.