Northern Crafts Centre Ltd was first Registered as a charity 7 March 1963 and removed from the Register of Charities 6 April 1993 as it had ceased to exist by that point.^[3] The centre had a strong association with the Red Rose Guild of Designer Craftsmen with most of their exhibitions for many years, including some permanent stock being held in retail premises.^[4] The membership of Margaret Pilkington on the Council of Management was fundamental to this association.^[5][6] However much of the centres history has been lost to time.^[7] It was established as a "not for profit" organisation, seeking to promote good craftsmanship and enable commissioning of works.^[8]

The ticketed opening by Colonel William Loris Mather, Chairman of the Civic Trust for the North West, was on 11 September 1963 at 4pm.^[9][10]

The Northern Crafts Centre closed in 1974 following the death of a number of key individuals; the first chairman, Harry Norris died in April 1968.^[11]

In addition to specific exhibitions an ongoing exhibition of arts and crafts took place. Most advertising did not name specific artists, although sometimes available from articles and other sources.