Barbara Gunter-Jones is a textile artist and a creative industries consultant specialising in contemporary craft.
From 2001 until 2008, Barbara worked at the Crafts Council managing a number of major projects and events including trade missions for designer-makers to New York, Tokyo, Kyoto and Philadelphia; and retail projects including Origin: The London Craft Fair at Somerset House. Barbara has researched extensively into craft practice including an evaluation of the Japanese market for UK designer-makers and, in 2009, a research paper for Designer Maker West Midlands investigating opportunities for mid-career makers. As part of this research, Barbara compiled the New Routes handbook which includes case studies of designer-maker professional practice. New Routes handbook
Barbara began her career as a textile designer and stylist, creating artwork for fashion and interior clients. She was employed by trend forecasting agency Nigel French, creating bespoke textile designs for UK and international retailers. Prior to her employment at the Crafts Council, she held positions of Deputy Editor of International Textiles magazine, and Interiors Editor of The Mix magazine, Global Color Research.
Barbara has recently been appointed as an Artistic Assessor for Arts Council England.