I arrived at the gallery specifically to view their archive at 12:30, as per advice via the email invite, that it would be open at 10:00am. Upon finding it closed , I was informed rather abruptly by a blond female , who appeared to be in charge that it wouldn’t be open for another hour or more and that “I should wait around”. The lack of an apology for incorrect advice was made worse by patting me on the shoulder in a most patronising manner. I commented on their disorganisation and left.

I returned several hours later to view “the archive”. This turned out to be one very small room, with perhaps 50 items in it. I questioned the small size, given the craft school has operated for 70 years and was told the bulk of it was elsewhere, yet this was trumpeted in the email invite as quote “ a rare opportunity to experience Sturt’s permanent collection“. Misleading and not good enough. I have done several courses at Sturt in the last 2 years which were frankly far too expensive for what they offered and were rather disorganised. Other people I have spoken to, who have also done courses there recently, unanimously echo these points. Sturt has a long and distinguished history, with many fine crafts people having contributed to it , the way it is being run currently does not do it justice. The school is currently being “paused” for a review, this appears to be well overdue.