About

For London Craft Week 2026, ClothShop by Christopher Farr Cloth presents Illuminating Worlds: Light as Storytelling, an exhibition of one-of-a-kind lamps created through a dialogue between artists and makers.

At the centre of the project are nine lampshades, each transformed by the hand of a diverse group of contemporary artists and makers into a contained, luminous world where story, culture and human connection unfold. Shade artists include Alvaro Picardo, Black Lion Workshops, Olaf Hajek, Tony Green, Rory Hutton, Eliza Downes, EBO Studio, Natasha Hulse and Alice Kettle. Each responds in their own visual language, resulting in a truly striking display of contemporary craft and artistic expression.

Each shade is paired with a handcrafted base by 1690 Ceramics, Nicola Tassie, Porta Romana, Annie Strachan and Cahoots Workshops. Together, base and shade become a singular artwork, where light activates surface, colour and texture, and craft becomes a shared conversation.

All works will be available for purchase, with profits donated to Bridges for Communities, a Bristol-based charity connecting people of different cultures and faiths through projects centred on art, music and language.

Monday 11th May
Christopher Farr Cloth Creative Director Michal Silver hosts an opening night drinks reception at her Chelsea home to unveil the exhibition. The evening includes Contemporary Hands, Living Traditions, a panel discussion with Alvaro Picardo, Black Lion Workshops and Michal Silver, followed by an opportunity to meet the artists behind the exhibition.

Tuesday 12th – Friday 15th May
Illuminating Worlds exhibition on display at the Christopher Farr Cloth showroom.

Wednesday 13th May
Alvaro Picardo leads a hand-painted lampshade workshop at the Christopher Farr showroom. Under Alvaro’s expert guidance, participants will paint their own lampshade to take home. This ticketed workshop has limited capacity; advance booking is required.