There are five different categories of membership:
Ordinary Membership
A maker of distinction or merit in his or her field.
Purpose: to share and communicate knowledge. Membership is open to artists, craftsmen and others engaged in design or the practice of the visual arts and crafts. An elected member is also known (regardless of sex) as a Brother.
Honorary Membership
An individual with significant eminence in his or her field, whose membership is likely to bring honour to the Guild.
Appointed from time to time.
Associate Membership
An individual who does not qualify for Ordinary Membership, but is of an equivalent high standard in his or her own field, and who will be a credit to the Guild.
Purpose: to draw in people who are sympathetic to the Guild's values and who will contribute to the Guild and its membership. Limited to 50 associates at any one time.
Overseas Membership
An Ordinary Member of the Guild who permanently resides and practices overseas.
Purpose: to allow Overseas Members to be nominated and seconded without coming to several lectures before applying; so that their work can be submitted digitally; and so that all correspondence from the Guild would be sent out via email not paper.
The Guild recognises the need for the arts and crafts to be aware of the need to look beyond our traditional boundaries.
Affiliate Membership (students and young makers)
A maker who is either a student or early practitioner in his or her career; who seeks association with the Guild but whose work is not considered ready for application as a full Brother.
Purpose: to raise the profile of the Guild in Universities and Colleges, and to provide support and a place at the Guild for future Brethren.
These members may only bring one guest to an event and will have no voting rights. The membership fee is subsidised for a discretionary period after graduation. At the end of this time affiliates have to formally apply for full membership.
The fees for 2012 are
Ordinary Membership - town members £88; country members £55; free after the age of 80
Honorary Membership - free but contributions welcomed
Associate Membership - free for a year then £88 (town) or £55 (country)
Overseas Membership - £55
Affiliate Membership - £10 a year for a limited period after graduating
There is no joining fee.