Author: Abigail Cairns

Bringing together emerging and internationally renowned artists, makers and designers, London Craft Week 2022 (9–15 May) will showcase work by more than 700 craftspeople from 26 countries. As we move out of the crisis phase of the pandemic and with the welcome return of international travel, this year’s edition of the festival showcases the importance – now, more than ever – of celebrating shared cultural values and human ingenuity.

Through our diverse programme of exhibitions, workshops, demonstrations and open studios, LCW 2022 will have a strong focus on Asian craftsmanship in addition to celebrating the best of European expertise. We’ve featured a selection of highlights below, but don’t miss the full line up on our Programme page.

 

---

 

Country Pavilion: Malaysia

 

For the first time this year, the festival presents two curated Country Pavilions, shining a spotlight on London as an international hub where visitors can discover exceptional crafted objects from around the world within the context of their own provenance and purpose. This year’s inaugural Pavilions will focus on Malaysia and Norway.

‘Tenun Pahang: Weaving Hope’ is a large-scale exhibition of Royal Pahang Silk Weave at the Malaysia High Commission presented by HM Queen Azizah of Malaysia, who has been an ambassador for the vanishing craft of silk weaving in Malaysia for more than two decades. Her Majesty has worked to protect and rebuild the silk weaving industry in Pahang, and now runs a social enterprise which trains prison inmates in Pahang in a vocational skill that offers them a future livelihood. Curated by Judith Clark, the exhibition will include archival fabrics from the Museum of Pahang as well as a selection of HM Queen Azizah’s own garments and personal silk collection. Find out more.

 

Creations Enlivened: Metal

 

Organised by Crafts on Peel and co-sponsored by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (London), ‘Creations Enlivened: Metal’ is a virtual showcase celebrating the work of traditional craftspeople and contemporary artisans from Hong Kong working across a myriad of metals, including copper, brass, silver, tin and galvanised iron. Find out more.

 

Colour Theatre

 

The National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute invites fibre artists, master craftspeople and craft groups to create dyed and woven works using colours typically found in Taiwan. Alongside the exhibition, which is taking place at gallery@oxo, workshops throughout the week will teach indigo and soil dyeing techniques for fashion and interiors. Find out more.

 

Earth and Water

 

Celebrating the vernacular practices of Oaxacan pottery and the environment that sustains it, Earth and Water is an exhibition of ceramics presented by Revolution of Forms, in collaboration with the Mexican Embassy. View work by artisans and design studios that combine traditional forms and contemporary aesthetics, including a new collection of vessels by acclaimed ceramicist Lucía Ocejo. Find out more.

 

Art of the Lotus Flower

 

Turquoise Mountain, in collaboration with Myanmar goldsmiths, launches four new capsule jewellery collections, all inspired by different elements of the lotus flower and handcrafted from a selection of local materials. These pieces celebrate the revival of traditional skills such as filigree, open-wire work and bead making, and are on view at Objet d’Emotion gallery. Find out more.

 

Courts and Fields

 

ISHKAR presents an exhibition and in conversation with celebrated British artist and former president of the Royal Academy of Art Sir Christopher Le Brun and his son, ISHKAR co-founder Edmund Le Brun. This year, the father and son launch their first collaboration, titled ‘Courts and Fields’; a collection of limited-edition carpets designed by Sir Christopher Le Brun and crafted by artisans in Afghanistan. Book now.

 

Icheon Ceramic by Han Collection

 

Han Collection partners with Icheon Ceramic to bring works of art of exceptional quality and craftsmanship to the UK. Icheon, a designated UNESCO City of Crafts and Folk Art, is located to the south-east of Seoul, the capital of South Korea. It is home to around 400 studios, where Korean ceramic masters tirelessly pursue beauty and elegance, combining ancient techniques and modern sensibilities. Find out more.

 

Lu Bin at Ting-Ying Gallery

 

As part of Artefact, the contemporary craft fair at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, Ting-Ying Gallery presents the inaugural exhibition of ceramic pieces by Chinese maker Lu Bin, who was recently named as finalist for the 2022 LOEWE Craft Prize. Lu Bin’s work demonstrates technical skills mastered over decades of making, combined with social criticisms and mediations on daily life. Book now.

 

---

 

European Savoir Faire

 

Spotlight on: Headline Sponsors, Delvaux and Serapian

 

Discover the savoir faire, uncompromising craftsmanship and storytelling of LCW 2022 Headline Sponsors Delvaux and Serapian during the festival.

Founded in Brussels in 1829, Delvaux is the oldest fine leather luxury goods house in history. During the festival, visit Anatomy of a Bag at Delvaux’s flagship store on New Bond Street; a visually rich display of the many carefully crafted components used in the creation of their iconic bags. Find out more.

Meanwhile, Serapian pays tribute to the exquisite materials it carefully selects to craft its exceptional creations, from the fluidity of Mosaico nappa, to the softness of cachemire leather, to the shine of mother of pearl. The exhibition will feature a curated selection of outstanding Made in Italy leather goods in celebration of Milanese design. Find out more.

 

My Craft, My Legacy

 

In a state-of-the-art shoe factory in Caslano, Switzerland, Bally’s artisans undergo three years of rigorous training to learn the skills necessary to craft the house’s iconic designs. The 100 craftspeople are celebrated through a series of intimate photographs by Jackson Frederick, on display at Bally Haus, Regent Street, during LCW. On Thursday 12 May, watch live demonstrations of cordwaining techniques. Find out more.

 

Vienna Vibes

 

Celebrating the golden age of the Wiener Moderne period, Bonadea on Pimlico Road will be transformed into a slice of Vienna, with an exhibition of works by product designer Bodo Sperlein and premier Austrian artisan makers, Lobmeyr, Jarosinski & Vaugoin, Augarten and Wiener Blut. Befitting the salon-like surroundings of the store, Bodo will curate the space to encapsulate Wiener Jugendstil. Book now.

 

French Craft Collective

 

Discover eleven hand-picked French craftspeople, renowned for their know-how, techniques, and unique expertise, at the French Craft Collective, in association with Business France. Highly specialised in residential and commercial design projects, from wrought iron work to porcelain, leather weaving to sculpture, the makers give a glimpse of their selected creations. Find out more.

 

TONDO

 

At B&B Italia, YALI Glass presents a new body of work, handcrafted in the historical and artisanal glass furnaces in Murano, Venice. Designed by founder Marie-Rose Kahane, TONDO is the result of an experimental collaboration with the furnace Effetre, known for their extensive production of handcrafted coloured glass rods. Expect unique compositions of hand-poured cast glass. Find out more.

 

Chanel’s Métiers d’Art

 

During London Craft Week, Chanel’s Métiers d’Art members, including iconic Parisian milliner Maison Michel, goldsmiths Goossens and lingerie maison ERES, will offer behind-the-scenes insights into their savoir faire. Follow Maison Michel’s hatters and milliners as they craft iconic hats, discover how ERES’ creations are brought to life, and watch live goldsmithing techniques with Goossens’ Parisian atelier artisans.

 

---

Featured image courtesy Revolution of Forms

For the first time this year, London Craft Week presents two curated Country Pavilions, reinforcing the festival as a platform for sharing global perspectives and shining a spotlight on London as an international hub for encountering outstanding makers and creativity from around the world.

This year’s inaugural Pavilions will focus on Malaysia and Norway and visitors are invited to discover exceptional crafted objects within the context of their own provenance and purpose.

Country Pavilion: Malaysia

 

 

In the Malay language, ‘Tenun’ translates literally to ‘the act of weaving’. The 300-year-old craft of silk weaving originates in Pahang, Her Majesty Queen Azizah of Malaysia’s royal seat and the most expansive state of the Malayan Peninsular.

Tenun Pahang: Weaving Hope is a large-scale exhibition of Royal Pahang Silk Weave at the Malaysia High Commission presented by HM Queen Azizah of Malaysia, who has been an ambassador for the vanishing craft of silk weaving in Malaysia for more than two decades. Her Majesty has worked to protect and rebuild the silk weaving industry in Pahang, and now runs a social enterprise which trains prison inmates in Pahang in a vocational skill that offers them a future livelihood. Curated by Judith Clark, the exhibition will include archival fabrics from the Museum of Pahang as well as a selection of HM Queen Azizah’s own garments and personal silk collection.

The exhibition is open daily from 9–15 May 2022 at the High Commission of Malaysia. 

Guided tours run each day at 11.30am and 3pm and can be booked through the LCW website.

A roundtable discussion with Her Majesty Queen Azizah of Malaysia will take place on Saturday 14 May. Tickets can be booked through the LCW website; limited spaces available.

 

 

Country Pavilion: Norway

 

 

PYTON is a multidisciplinary exhibition platform and artist group in Oslo showcasing historic and contemporary Norwegian craft, art and design that are pioneering within their field.

Founded in 2019, in response to growing interest in collectible design, craft and art from the contemporary Norwegian scene, PYTON is led by Henrik Ødegaard, Richard Øiestad, Tron Meyer and Are Blytt. Their exhibition space in Oslo aims to be a pioneering platform for exhibition concepts, inviting up-and-coming designers, craft makers and artists to a common space, juxtaposed with leading figures from the past.

For London Craft Week 2022, by invitation of Norwegian Crafts, Richard Øiestad and Are Blytt from the PYTON team curate an exhibition in Gallery 5 at Cromwell Place. The gallery space is divided into several room typologies as a nod to the apartment it once was, using this as a catalytic idea for creating a stage for Norwegian art and design from the 20th century to the ultra-contemporary. The selection spans design, fine art and noteworthy craft objects, commissioned and curated, including work by artists such as Lina Viste Grønli, Sigve Knutson, Gunnar Havstad, Elisabeth Haarr and Synnøve Anker Aurdal.

The exhibition is open daily from 11–15 May 2022 at Gallery 5, Cromwell Place.

 

 

---

 

For more information about the LCW 2022 Country Pavilions, visit our Featured Projects page.

Image courtesy Royal Pahang Weave Foundation

Highlighting the best of collectible crafted design, London Craft Week 2022 will feature a range of exhibitions, expert-led tours and discussions across furniture, decorative arts and jewellery. We’ve featured a selection of highlights below, but don’t miss the full line up on our Programme page.

 

---

 

Country Pavilion: PYTON Place

 

PYTON is a multidisciplinary exhibition platform and artist group in Oslo showcasing historic and contemporary Norwegian craft, art and design that are pioneering within their field. Founded in 2019 in response to a zeitgeist of rising interest in collectible design, craft and art from the contemporary Norwegian scene, PYTON is led by Henrik Ødegaard, Richard Øiestad, Tron Meyer and Are Blytt.

For London Craft Week 2022, by invitation of Norwegian Crafts, Richard and Are are curating an exhibition in Gallery 5 at Cromwell Place. The gallery space will be divided into several room typologies as a nod to the apartment it once was, using this as a catalytic idea for creating a stage for Norwegian art and design from the 20th century to the ultra-contemporary. The selection spans design, fine art and noteworthy craft objects, featuring works by up-and-coming creatives, juxtaposed with unsung heroes from Norway’s collectible design, craft and art scene of the last 100 years. Find out more.

 

A New Generation of Goldsmiths

 

Sian Evans, Lucie Gledhill, Castro Smith and Christopher Thompson-Royds are at the forefront of a new generation of goldsmiths. Within each of their bodies of work is a reinterpretation of gold as a medium and signifier. Collectively, as ‘Quartet’, they showcase their exquisite work in Sotheby’s Bing Gallery. Find out more.

 

Material Consciousness

 

As part of its Design series, Sotheby’s shines a light on renowned designer Brodie Neill with a selling exhibition of his sustainable furniture. A selection of new works – together titled Material Consciousness – showcases Brodie’s desire to reshape the world’s most precious resources into a range of collectible design pieces. Find out more.

 

Danish Art and Design

 

Explore the Danish Ambassador’s Residence on an exclusive tour led by Danish architect and design specialist Marie-Louise Høstbo, recently appointed as head of design at Fritz Hansen. Originally designed by the Danish architect Arne Jacobsen, the residence is furnished with highly coveted collectible Danish furniture and design. Find out more and book.

 

Contemporary Arabesque

 

Celebrating the icons of tomorrow, The Invisible Collection champions designs from the world’s most renowned talents. Visit their new showroom to discover Contemporary Arabesque, a collection of furniture and accessories that reinterpret traditional marquetry techniques by Lebanese designer Nada Debs. Find out more and book.

 

Design Icon

 

Visit The Conran Shop’s Chelsea and Marylebone stores during LCW to discover the UK premiere of Vitra’s limited-edition two-tone Panton Chair Duo. Embodying a continuous curve, the Panton Chair was conceived by Verner Panton in 1959 and is regarded as an icon of 20th-century furniture design. Find out more.

 

New Works by Alev Ebüzziya Siesbye

 

Turkish ceramic artist Alev Ebüzziya Siesbye has built an international reputation by modelling bowls. Though she is often referred to as a Minimalist, her small vessels look less like modern works of art and more like ancient artefacts. Join a tour of the exhibition at Tristan Hoare Gallery with curator Leonie Mir. Find out more and book.

 

Artisanal Excellence

 

Artefact, Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour’s contemporary craft fair taking place from 10–15 May, will align with LCW for the first time. Aimed at interior designers, architects, collectors and enthusiasts, the selling show brings together world-class galleries and celebrates the joy that handmade objects can bring. View work from established and emerging artists and makers, with highlights including Chinese ceramic artist Lu Bin at Ting-Ying Gallery, shortlisted for the 2022 LOEWE Foundation Craft Prize; colourful metal objects by Dublin’s Cecilia Moore at Cavaliero Finn; and delicate paper relief work by Bologna-based Lis Costa at jaggedart.

An accompanying talks series, Conversations in Craft, will bring together experts from both the craft and design industries, while scholars from QEST will give daily demonstrations of their skills. An Artisan Trail across the showrooms will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship behind many of the products to be found at the Design Centre. Find out more and book.

 

---

 

London Art Fair

 

For fans of collectible craft and design: London Art Fair returns this month for its 34th edition at the Business Design Centre, London, from Thursday 21 – Sunday 24 April 2022. Unveiling outstanding modern and contemporary art, this year the Fair presents over 100 leading galleries from around the world, representing Austria, USA, Portugal, Sweden, Australia and the UK. Don’t miss an inspiring programme of talks, tours and artists insights, including Platform, a space presenting well-known, overlooked and emerging artists aligning to the theme of ‘Art and Music’, curated by Candida Stevens. Find out more and book.

 

---

Featured image courtesy Christopher Thompson-Royds

London Craft Week is looking for new volunteers to join the team from Monday 9 – Sunday 15 May 2022.

From the latest developments in material innovation and digital craft to collectable objects and heritage skills, this year’s programme includes over 300 events, showcasing work by more than 400 artists, makers and designers, alongside brands and galleries from 26 different countries. Spanning the fields of craft, art, design, luxury, food, fashion and accessories, the week-long festival tells the stories behind some of the world’s most beautiful objects – the material, the maker, the process and the inspiration – through workshops, immersive experiences, pop-up stores and original exhibitions.

Check out the full programme of events here.

Every year volunteers play a big part in creating a special atmosphere at London Craft Week by helping visitors to get the most out of the week. By joining the LCW team as a volunteer, you help us by being an onsite presence at events, dealing with visitor queries, occasionally assisting with event logistics such as ticketing and guest lists, and supporting the individual event runners by being the direct contact to liaise with where any LCW team support is needed. We therefore are looking for presentable, confident and enthusiastic individuals who have a keen interest in the visual arts and have experience with event management, customer service and/or invigilating exhibitions.

We will make every effort to ensure you gain valuable experience in working behind the scenes at a not-for-profit events organisation while having lots of fun!

If you are interested in learning more about the not-for-profit world of art festivals, and/or are interested in the craft sector, please send your CV and a brief statement of interest to info@londoncraftweek.com by midday on Friday 22 April 2022.

 

---

Featured image courtesy The Mills Fabrica

We are delighted to announce the launch of the London Craft Week 2022 programme. Returning to our original spring slot, the eighth edition of the festival is taking place from 9–15 May this year.

Visit our Programme page, and be one of the first to browse and book the exciting line-up of expertly-curated events taking place across the city.

London Craft Week continues to champion creativity and ingenuity across a wide range of disciplines, from heritage craft skills to innovative new techniques and materials. We hope you will join us at as many events as possible, but we are very pleased to share a selection of key highlights with you here. Do follow us @londoncraftweek to receive the latest updates as we draw closer to the festival dates.

 

---

 

Collectable Craft & Design

LCW 2022 features two major exhibitions at Sotheby’s: Material Consciousness – an exploration of pioneering sustainable design by furniture maker Brodie Neill, and Quartet: Goldsmithing in London Now, which brings together exquisite pieces of jewellery by Sian Evans, Lucie Gledhill, Castro Smith and Christopher Thompson-Royds. Meanwhile at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, contemporary craft fair Artefact will be shining a light on artisanal excellence across disciplines including metalwork, glass, sculpture, textiles, ceramics and upcycled materials.

 

International Perspectives

For the first time this year, we are delighted to announce two curated Country Pavilions, showcasing work by talented independent makers, artists, studios and workshops from Malaysia and Norway. Highlights include a large-scale exhibition of Royal Pahang Silk Weave presented by HM Queen Azizah of Malaysia, who has been an ambassador for the vanishing craft of silk weaving for more than two decades. At Cromwell Place, Norwegian Crafts will be collaborating with Oslo-based multidisciplinary platform and artist group PYTON to present an exhibition of pioneering works by emerging creatives and unsung heroes.

 

Pioneering Innovation in Making

LCW’s Innovation Partner The Mills Fabrica is an incubator for a new generation of independent brands and start-ups that are driving forward experimental forms of making, from exploring heritage processes to innovative technologies and materials. At Fabrica X, London’s first concept store and innovation gallery, discover demonstrations, workshops and retail experiences focused on sustainable innovation. Learn about companies like Renewcell, who turn discarded textiles into a natural material, or scan your perfect pair of jeans with Unspun, who eliminate waste with on-demand manufacturing.

 

Next Generation Creatives

Discover a renewed appreciation of craftsmanship within contemporary fashion design, materials and making. At the V&A, we celebrate the next generation of innovative talent with a programme of events around Fashioning Masculinities: The Art of Menswear, including a jewellery masterclass with Rosh Mahtani and tailoring demonstration with Kimberley Megan Lawton. In Belgravia, visit the Argentine Ambassador’s Residence to see designer Clara Pinto’s FW22 collection, which pays tribute to organic British wool, traditional tailoring and innovative degradable bioplastics.

 

Platinum Jubilee Celebrations

Imbued with rich traditions yet often thrillingly anarchic in mindset, Britain has always been at the cutting edge of craftsmanship. To mark the Platinum Jubilee, The Royal Exchange presents a Makers’ Market featuring a diverse selection of exceptional British craftspeople. Discover leather goods from Carréducker, fragrances from Maya Njie, and umbrellas from the UK’s longest-established umbrella manufacturer, James Ince & Sons. Continue the festivities at Fortnum & Mason, who are hosting a series of exhibitions showcasing the work of QEST-supported makers in leather, metal and textiles.

 

Artisan Chelsea

London’s artists’ quarter of the 19th century and centre of the Arts and Crafts movement; Chelsea is a neighbourhood rich in creativity and artisanal making. This year we are pleased to be working once again with the Cadogan Estate who present the Artisan Chelsea Series for LCW 2022. From an introduction to the history and craftsmanship of British luxury leather goods with Tanner Krolle, to artisanal ice cream tasting at Ice Cream Union, to Sarabande studios’ takeover of Soho Home, discover how craftsmanship is woven into the community through a programme of rich and varied events.

 

Pimlico Road and Belgravia

The Pimlico Road Design District in Belgravia presents the seventh annual Pimlico Road Series for LCW 2022. A fraternity of world-class craftspeople, artisans, curators and makers, Pimlico Road is a melting pot and meeting place for craft and design. Visit Bonadea to explore ‘Vienna Vibes’, a showcase of Viennese manufacturing, or attend a talk at Robertaebasta in celebration of the great Italian design master Gio Ponti. Elsewhere in Belgravia, Studio Pottery London host a discussion on turning passion into profit with Holly Tucker MBE, entrepreneur and founder of Not On The High Street.

 

Coal Drops Yard

King’s Cross is home of the extraordinary, and during LCW you can experience outstanding creativity across a broad range of disciplines as part of the Coal Drops Yard Series, from spectacle making to weaving to food and drink. Highlights include live demonstrations at COS by award-winning weaver Maria Sigma, who specialises in ‘zero waste’ design. Join a candle-making workshop at Earl of East, find out how to keep your leather shoes in tip top condition at Joseph Cheaney & Sons, and discover the flavours and aromas of Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse in an after-hours tasting.

 

St James’s London x Rémy Martin

Go behind the scenes of the hidden gems of St James’s London, one of the city’s most illustrious locations, alongside the House of Rémy Martin, renowned for their masterful production of exceptional spirits, in a series of events celebrating savoir faire. Join us for after-hours masterclasses, demonstrations, cocktails and tastings on a journey from St James’s, along Jermyn Street, the original home of menswear, to the elegant Princes Arcade with its boutiques that connect to Piccadilly.

 

---

We very much look forward to welcoming you to our events and together celebrating the best of creativity and craftsmanship.

Featured image courtesy Clara Pinto

To coincide with Lunar New Year 2022, our February Edit is a celebration of artistry and innovation across Asia and beyond. Championing the continent’s extraordinarily rich history of craftsmanship, this month we profile some of the makers and organisations who are preserving ancient crafts and reinventing them for future generations. We’ve rounded up below a small selection of exhibitions and events to help you celebrate the new year with craftsmanship and savoir-faire.

 

---

 

Savoir-Faire: The Mastery of Craft in Fashion
K11 MUSEA, Hong Kong

New World Development CEO and K11 Craft & Guild Foundation Founder Adrian Cheng has joined forces with fashion icon Carine Roitfeld to host Savoir-Faire: The Mastery of Craft in Fashion. Bringing together the storied crafts of haute couture and traditional Chinese craftsmanship, the exhibition presents rare artefacts and modern pieces from the archives of K11 alongside works from acclaimed design houses that include Chanel, Dior and Loewe. Find out more.

 

Stories Encapsulated: Wood
Crafts on Peel, Hong Kong

Presenting objects made in wood by Hong Kong artisans, Stories Encapsulated: Wood is a celebration of the tactile, living nature of this medium. From small decorative objects to large furniture pieces, the exhibition features collaborations between traditional craftsmen and contemporary artisans, exploring the skills, stories and emotional connections between the makers and their works. For those unable to visit in person, there will be an opportunity to discover Crafts on Peel’s Creations Enlivened: Metal exhibition during LCW. Find out more.

 

Juefang Yang

Jewellery designer Juefang Yang marries traditional jade carving techniques with a contemporary design aesthetic. The RCA graduate, who trained as a gemologist at the Gemological Institute of America, works closely with a professional jade carving base in Yunnan, China, to create her collections, which are made solely by artisans with disabilities. Discover Juefang’s work during this year’s LCW as part of Second Floor Studios & Arts’ Deptford Open Studio weekend. Find out more.

 

Amazing China
National Base for International Cultural Trade (Shanghai)

This May, Amazing China returns to London Craft Week for the fifth year. Showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and Intangible Cultural Heritage across a range of disciplines, the exhibition will shine a spotlight on the rich history of Chinese artistry. In the meantime, head over to the programme page where you can watch demonstrations by some of the artisans who took part in last year’s virtual exhibition. Find out more.

 

---

Featured image courtesy of K11 Craft & Guild Foundation. 

Sign up to our newsletter below to get the latest London Craft Week news and curated content delivered straight to your inbox.

Here at LCW our festive season is already well underway. Here is a small selection of experiences and one-of-a-kind gifts to help you celebrate yours.

 

---

 

Bespoke Experiences

 

One of the truly special things about a bespoke gift is that it’s a process you can share together with your loved ones, experiencing first hand the time and care that goes into making something unique. Here are a few pointers for gifts that are special, easy to find, plus come in handy if you’ve missed the last date for delivery!

 

4160Tuesdays Fragrance
From £1,000

 

Scent is very personal, which makes it one of the most thoughtful things you can give. Maybe consider the bespoke experience at 4160Tuesdays? During an afternoon with Head Perfumer Sarah McCartney at their Hammersmith Studio, learn about fragrance making and create two 100ml bottles of artisanal perfume.

Image: 4160Tuesdays

 

Charvet
Price on request

 

In the words of Simon Crompton, founder of Permanent Style and an authority on classic menswear, ‘few places in the world compare to Charvet’. For that person who’s super-tricky to find the right present for, why not gift Charvet’s bespoke shirt-making service? If you’re feeling extra generous, you could book the Eurostar to Paris where together you can visit Charvet’s Place Vendôme shop for a made-to-measure fitting with a shirt specialist, followed by a well deserved lunch.

Image: Jamie Ferguson for Permanent Style

 

Peter Reed Bed Linen
From £480 for a bed set

 

Bespoke bed linen is a true luxury in the best sense of the word. After all, what better gift can there be than a good night’s sleep? Peter Reed’s handmade linen is synonymous with the rich heritage of English textile manufacturing, having been made to order since 1861. For something (or someone) very special, choose to add a monogram or commission your own design.

Image: Peter Reed 

 

Emefa Cole
Erosion 1 ring, £1,850

 

A beautiful made-to-order ring from a gifted jeweller, inspired by natural phenomena and the African landscape. Emefa Cole uses 100% recycled metals and stones sourced directly from African gem cutters to forge her distinctive pieces, which have been acquired for the permanent collections of the V&A and the Goldsmiths’ Company. Erosion 1 is influenced by childhood tales of golden nuggets unearthed by heavy rainfall in Ghana: ‘the land of Gold’.

Image: Emefa Cole

 

Quilting with Jennifer Raish
Selvedge online workshop, £195

 

A handmade quilt is a wonderful way to bring together off-cuts of favourite textiles and beloved garments from family and friends. Take inspiration from Annabelle Harty and Sheelagh Boyce of Arrange Whatever Pieces Come Your Way, whose quilts take hundreds of hours to hand-sew and are a physical manifestation of a long friendship. Feel like having a go at making your own? Jennifer Raish offers accessible online workshops, which will introduce you to traditional quilting techniques and teach you how to sew a small art quilt by hand.

Image: Jennifer Raish, Selvedge 

 

---

 

A very LCW Christmas

 

At LCW we believe that extra bit of care and attention goes a long way to making something really special, even with the simplest of things.

 

The Japanese Art of Gift Wrapping
Furoshiki Gift Wrapping Workshop, £35

 

In Japan, the giving of gifts is an important cultural ritual, with the presentation as important as the present itself. This month, furoshiki expert Tomoko Kakita is holding gift wrapping workshops at Pantechnicon to celebrate the launch of her new book, Furoshiki and the Japanese art of gift wrapping. Join Tomoko to learn the key techniques and find out why furoshiki is a sustainable alternative to paper wrap. You’ll also receive a copy of Tomoko’s book.

Image: Pantechnicon

 

Jochen Holz Lustre Baubles
SEEDS London, £40 +VAT

 

Working with his own experimental techniques, Jochen Holz employs metallic oxides that are painted onto molten glass to create these ethereal lustre pendants – each one completely unique. A special addition to your own tree, or a thoughtful gift. Find Jochen’s work at SEEDS London, where Nathalie Assi also has a wonderful selection of other pieces at a wide range of price points.

Image: SEEDS London

 

Torta Di Natale Kit
Skye McAlpine, £42

 

Skye McAlpine’s Make-Your-Own Christmas Cake Set includes all the essentials to decorate a 9 inch Christmas Cake. Each set comes with a Christmas Cake recipe, cake drum, glacé fruits, nuts and yellow marzipan, as well as a gift box, gift label and seasonal green velvet ribbon to tie the box up with. You can bake your own cake or box it up and give it away as a holiday gift.

For more foodie inspiration, look to Konditor, the mince pies especially. Buy them online or in-store, and serve with a dollop of clotted cream.

Image: Skye McAlpine

 

Christmas Cracker Kits
Inq, £45

 

Bring some pop to your festivities with Inq’s marbled Christmas Cracker Kits, which come in Obsidian, Mistletoe and Pomegranate colourways. Each kit contains enough material to make 6 crackers which are 100% recyclable and will add a touch of Venetian charm to your tablescape. If you fancy going one step further, join Florence Saumarez of Inq for an introduction to marbling workshop.

Image: Inq

 

Monogrammed Napkins
Hawthorne & Heaney, monogramming services from £40

 

Another idea for your Christmas table: commission some bespoke embroidered napkins from Hawthorne & Heaney. A set of personalised table linen will last for many years and is a lovely way to mark the tradition of family and friends coming together around the dinner table.

Image: Hawthorne & Heaney

 

---

 

Celebrate with Nyetimber
Special promotion

 

Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage, £37

This festive season, why not consider giving a bottle of Nyetimber English Sparkling Wine to special friends and family members? Or better yet, stock up for your own celebrations! The signature wine of Nyetimber, the Classic Cuvee is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier and is a perfect balance of elegance and intensity. Use the code LCW-15-Christmas to get 15% off any order over £100. Also good for seeing you through your Christmas wrapping!

This offer can only be redeemed once per person and is valid until the 31st December 2021. For full terms and conditions see here.

 

---

Featured image from  Crafting a Difference at the Argentine Ambassador’s Residence, photo credit Dan Weill

Sign up to our newsletter below to get the latest London Craft Week news and curated content delivered straight to your inbox.

Would you like to be part of LCW 2022?

 

LCW is committed to supporting the work of emerging artist-maker-designers. Each year we are delighted to offer 25% of our Bronze Level places free of charge to independent makers, charities and sole traders.

We are now welcoming applications from individuals who are keen to be involved in this year’s festival (9–15 May 2022) and are particularly keen to hear from makers and sole traders at the start of their career.

London Craft Week aims to showcase outstanding British and international creativity to our visitors. Our curated programme of events brings together discerning consumers with makers, designers, brands and galleries, creating a unique opportunity to build engagement and sales.

As there are a limited number of spaces, each applicant for a free space must send in a proposal of their event which will be reviewed by the LCW team, and then offered on a discretionary basis.

Please apply via the online form below if you believe you qualify. The deadline for programme applications is 14 January 2022.

 

Apply Here

 

---

Featured Image: Dharma Taylor at Paul Smith during London Craft Week 2021

Photo by Dan Weill

The recently concluded seventh edition of London Craft Week was our largest programme yet. If you weren’t able to fit everything into the week then don’t worry, as you can still catch up on some of the talks and exhibitions that are continuing this month.

---

Talks

 

Image: Mark Cocksedge

ReCoil: Brodie Neill in conversation with Marcus Fairs, Dezeen

 

Designer Brodie Neill is known for his mastery of materials, form, and process. Born in Tasmania and based in London, his work aims to recontextualise our relationship with materials and our role in the natural world.

During London Craft Week, Brodie joined Marcus Fairs, Founder of Dezeen, for an intimate conversation discussing how he has revisited the indigenous timbers of Tasmania through the innovation of Hydrowood, a precious resource reclaimed from the island’s lakes. The result of Brodie’s collaboration with Design Tasmania, ‘ReCoil’ was presented for the first time during London Craft Week, alongside Continuum, a selection of his major upcycled works.

The exhibition is open everyday until 27 October at 6-7 Motcomb Street, Belgravia.

Watch the talk

 

Image: Dan Weill

In Good Company: Lucille Lewin in conversation with Louisa Buck

 

Lucille Lewin discusses her collaborative exhibition with Nicole Farhi, ‘In Good Company: A celebration of creativity and friendship’, with Louisa Buck, contemporary art correspondent at The Art Newspaper.

The exhibition includes new works in bronze, jesmonite, porcelain and glass, produced during the lockdowns – which both artists found incredibly productive – alongside select earlier pieces, on view until 22 October.

Watch the talk

 

Image: Katarzyna Perlak, courtesy of Jerwood Arts 

Tender Crafts: Panel Discussion at Jerwood Space

 

Ann Coxon, Curator of International Art at Tate Modern is joined by contemporary visual artists Katarzyna Perlak, Rebecca Bellantoni and Raisa Kabir for a discussion which explores how crafts can be used to revisit and reimagine history from contemporary diasporic, feminist and queer perspectives.

Jerwood Arts presented this event alongside the exhibition Survey II, which continues at Jerwood Space in London until 11 December before travelling to Sheffield.

Listen to the talk

---

 

Exhibitions

 

Outside In
Until 27 October

Sarah Myerscough Gallery presents ‘Outside In’: exceptional works of crafted art and design by international artist-makers who define their practice through their decisions to use organic, sustainable materials. These ancient materials; wood, willow, and grasses, are reimagined for the contemporary world as the makers express their devotion to nature. Find out more

 

Layers
Until 13 November

Discover ‘Layers’ at SoShiro, the first UK solo show from Cuban multimedia artist Alexandre Arrechea. Through a new collection of handmade furniture embellished with decorative mosaic work, created in collaboration with the Mosaic School of Friuli, Italy, Arrechea celebrates the relationship between the human body, architecture and colour. Find out more

 

Kuniko Maeda
Until 16 October

Kuniko Maeda is a Japanese artist based in London who works mainly with paper, leather and textiles to create handmade jewellery, artworks and installations. Contemporary Applied Arts is exhibiting Kuniko’s latest work, which combines the reuse of materials, including paper and leather, Japanese traditional craft techniques and modern digital technology. Find out more

 

Terrain: Works in Porcelain
Until 29 October

‘Terrain’ at jaggedart is a celebration of porcelain used in different ways. Lucas Ferreira’s works are made from small handcrafted fragments of porcelain, accumulated to form sequences and rhythms, evoking geological formations. Almost paper-like, Alison Gautrey’s spun porcelain vessels are translucent and weightless, capturing a feeling of movement. Find out more

 

Woven Narratives
Until 24 October

In a collaboration that celebrates the beauty of paper, Smythson hosts an exhibition at their Sloane Street store featuring works by artist Gill Wilson, in partnership with Guilded. The collaboration sees Gill create a series of bespoke artworks, which incorporate the telltale Nile Blue paper seen across Smythson’s iconic blue packaging. Find out more

 

The Art of Plaster
Until 22 October

Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler has a long history of commissioning bespoke works for clients from the UK’s finest craftspeople. This exhibition in their Pimlico Road showroom shows the vibrant plasterwork of Geoffrey Preston, an English architectural sculptor specialising in decorative plaster and the art of stucco, and includes a collection of recent floral inspired works. Find out more

 

Meaning Behind Materiality
Until 31 October

Don’t miss ‘Meaning Behind Materiality’, presented by Cynthia Corbett Gallery. The showcase offers a deep dive into different forms of craft such as ceramics, textiles and mixed media. Gallery artists include Matt Smith, Albert Montserrat and Klari Reis, in addition to Young Masters Amy Hughes, Amanda McCavour, and Emilie Taylor. Find out more

 

Cracked ft. Troy Town Shop
Until 29 October

‘Cracked’, curated by Leonie Mir, is dedicated to hand-moulded ceramics made without the use of a wheel. The exhibition, at Tristan Hoare Gallery, focuses on emerging and established contemporary artists who construct, sculpt and mould clay, demonstrating what can be achieved with ‘a little bit of mud and a little bit of genius’ (Paul Gauguin). Find out more

---

Tell us what you think

 

 

Image: Tristan Hoare Gallery, Photo by Dan Weill

We would love to hear your thoughts on the seventh edition of London Craft Week. Please tell us about your experience through our 2021 survey. All entries will have the chance to win £500 to spend at Liberty London.

Take the survey here

 

---

Featured image from  ‘In Good Company’, photo credit Dan Weill

Sign up to our newsletter below to get the latest London Craft Week news and curated content delivered straight to your inbox.