Insiders Guide to London Craft Week – April 22

News | 22 April 201620 August 2020

Three events with international makers

Karen Bit Vejle, Skandium 

Karen talks about psaligraphy, the art of drawing with scissors, and the magical stories in her work.

5 May 4.00-5.30pm, RSVP, free

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Crafting Japan at Dartmouth House

Four of Japan’s treasured cultural traditions are brought to London for the week.

5 & 6 May, 11.00-16.00, £20 + vat

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Carl Hansen and Mourne Textiles 

Family-owned Danish furniture manufacturer Carl Hansen & Søn collaborates with family–run UK producer Mourne Textiles in a working display of weaving and upholstery making.

3 – 5 May, 9.15-18.00, Booking not necessary

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Three events by our sponsors 

Exposed Upholstery at Howe, Pimlico Road (Grosvenor Series)

Howe reveals the making of one of the company’s signature pieces, the Salon Chair, explaining its history and giving an exclusive preview into the craftsmanship behind the frame, upholstery, details and finishing.

4 May, 11.00-18.00, Booking not necessary, free

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Una Burke at The Dorchester 

Award-winning leather artisan Úna Burke, known for her designs for The Hunger Games franchise, discusses her work with Lexus. Also on show is a dress created by Úna Burke using the leather from a Lexus CT interior.

5 May, 11.00-12.00, Booking not necessary, 12 places, first come first served

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Watchmaking at Vacheron Constantin

Two Vacheron Constantin master craftsmen, a watchmaker and enameller demonstrate the skills required in fine watchmaking at their London boutique. Visitors will be able to witness the  assembling of a movement and discover the rare art of enamelling.

4-7 May, Daily slots 10.00-12.00 and 14.00-16.00, Booking necessary, free

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Three events by our strategic partners

Real to Reel by the Crafts Council 

Real to Reel: The Craft Film Festival will take place on the 4 and 5 May at Picturehouse Central – each evening showing a different programme of films.

4-5 May, 18.00-21.00, Booking necessary, 125 places, free

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Crafted by Walpole at Fortnum & Mason

Curated by Peter Ting, makers from the 2016 Walpole Crafted mentoring programme including Silvia Weidenbach, Insley & Nash, Alexandra Llewellyn Designs, Eleanor Lakelin, Theresa Nguyen, Struthers London and Mark Tallowin will showcase their making process alongside a display of limited edition pieces, available to buy. Part of Fortnum’s ‘Season of Surprises’, Ettinger and Marwood will also present their work.

3-7 May, 10.00-20.00, Booking not necessary, free

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Craft Across Continents 

The Heritage Crafts Association’s conference celebrates outstanding craftsmanship in other countries as well as recognising heritage crafts and excellence in the UK, offering an opportunity to find out more about traditional skills. Speakers include Ritu Sethi from India, Eivind Falk from Norway and Britain’s Kate Malone amongst others.

7 May, 10.45-16.30, 200 places £35 for HCA members/£45 for non-members

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Three events with our Non Executive Directors 

Edmond Byrne at the New Craftsmen 

Join glass artist Edmond Byrne in conversation with The New Craftsmen’s Creative Director Catherine Lock and an architect and interior designer from Rolfe Judd for an exploration of his work, process and inspiration over afternoon tea round the table of The New Craftsmen’s new studio space.

3 May, 15.30-17.00, 12 places, £15

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Cockpit’s Jewellers

Contemporary Applied Arts critic, curator and jewellery-aholic, Corinne Julius explains the excitement of contemporary jewellery, through the work of three leading jewellers, Petra Bishai, Jo Hayes Ward and Maud Traon, all based at Cockpit Arts, Deptford.

6 May, 18.00-19.30, 15 places, £15 + vat

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Collecting Craft and the Market for Making at the Royal Academy 

Join leading art world experts and scholars for an informal panel discussion exploring the current state of craft and its market.

3 May, 18.00-20.00, Booking necessary via Royal Academy website

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