A Craft Eye: Tess and Alfred Newall
Decorative artist Tess Newall and furniture maker Alfred Newall are a creative duo based in Sussex, sharing a love for traditional craftsmanship, their furniture pieces and murals emphasise the character and integrity of hand processes, and sit as naturally in historic homes as they do in contemporary interiors. Here, Tess and Alfred select their most anticipated London Craft Week events for 2025, encompassing sculpture, carpentry, gold & silversmithing, plaster casting, patination, and chandelier making.
Tess and Alfred Newall share their most anticipated events for London Craft Week 2025
West Dean: Craft Taster Sessions
West Dean is a brilliant craft college local to our workshops in Sussex. Experience the joy of making with their series of taster workshops and demonstrations in their London outpost, including tapestry weaving, bookbinding and automata making.
Japan House – The Craft of Carpentry : Drawing Life from Japan’s Forests
Learn about Japan’s master carpenters in the beautifully crafted Japan House, focusing on how they have developed tools and techniques over centuries informed by – and working with – the extraordinary qualities of wood.
And Objects – Illuminated Forms : Inside the Workshop of Jess Wheeler
We love Jess’s ethereal decorative plasterwork. Join Jess and her team as they work on a large-scale sculpture, showcasing intricate techniques including plaster casting, metal shaping and patination, in the inspiring setting of the And Objects showroom.
Turquoise Mountain – Master Craftsmanship of Myanmar
Turquoise Mountain is a charity partnering with craftspeople across the Middle East to preserve centuries-old skills and techniques. They are collaborating with artisans from Myanmar to display fine jewellery, lacquerware and textiles which embody Myanmar’s cultural heritage and legacy.
Cox London – Hands and Heritage
Cox London create beautifully sculptural chandeliers inspired by the delicate form of nature, which often sit in interiors alongside our own work. Visit their showroom throughout the week, and book into their panel discussion Why Craft Matters More Than Ever with Elizabeth Metcalfe (House & Garden), Daniel Carpenter (Heritage Crafts), Nicola Dewar (Crafts Council), and Ottalie Stride (Albion Nord).
Tess and Alfred Newall: Herbarium Cabinet
This London Craft Week, Tess & Alfred present their own show Herbarium Cabinet, in celebration of the traditional crafts integral to their work. From their workshops in East Sussex, they have crafted a piece that showcases the beauty and skill in handmade furniture. The cabinet is on display in the library of London’s historic Linnean Society, whose collections include those of Carl Linnaeus. Original botanical specimens from Linnaeus’ collection are exhibited alongside the piece, echoing the species of plant depicted on the cabinet. In addition, on Wednesday 14 May, Tess hosts a botanical drawing workshop with an introduction from a member of the Linnean Society’s collection team. Tickets are limited and can be purchased via Eventbrite.
Follow: @tessnewallstudio, @alfrednewall
