Author: Raf Malanga

Explore East & North London with a tour along the canal curated by Esna Su and Castro Smith from The Sarabande Foundation. Esna and Castro have made new works for A Ketel Boiling with Ideas, the Ketel One Commission for London Craft Week.

9AM
We will start the day at one of our favourite places, Columbia Road Flower Market. Blooms in hand we’ll meander through the stalls with a Pavilion Bakery coffee and cinnamon bun. Along the way we might pop in to see the latest ceramics at A Portuguese Love Affair.

12.30PM
Brunch at the Towpath – we love their fried eggs with sage butter or, if you’re feeling particularly hungry then go for the grilled cheese – it comes with a selection of chutneys.

2.30PM
We’re always happiest spending hours getting our hands dirty, or in this case, blue! We walk along the Regents Canal through Chapel Market in Angel to Coal Drops Yard, where Kiosk N1C are holding workshops about natural Japanese indigo-dyeing techniques. And while we’re there we’ll check out the parade of indigo flags.

4PM
From there to Store Store to see what they’re up to with their brilliant projects that aim to engage young people from the local area in art and design projects.

5PM
Sunday afternoon cuppa time, or maybe it’s late enough to celebrate the close of another successful London Craft Week with a cocktail and a pint at The Lighterman watching life go by on the canal.

 

 

Thank you for attending  London Craft Week 2019. We hope you enjoyed it!

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A day South of the river for London Craft Week with the team behind Peckham Craft Show.

9.00 AM
Moments away from Peckham Rye station you’ll find our favourite spot for a coffee and people watch in the windows at Brick House Bakery. Make sure you try a jam bostock and take one of the chocolate loaves home to keep you going the rest of the weekend.

10.00 AM
A wander down to Bellenden Road from there, pop your head in at Review book shop, they have a wonderful little craft and arts shelf and Katia behind the desk will find any book even if you only know the colour cover you are looking for. Take a look at what is in season on the the trolley at neighbourhood grocery shop General Store.

11.00 AM
Head back on to Peckham Rye and make your way to Peckham Craft Show, in Copeland Gallery. Lose an hour exploring the work of 50 makers exhibited in curated still-lifes. If you have a time stop for one of the many workshops. Make sure as you wander down the alleyway back to Rye Lane to poke your head in and see what’s going on in the Kiln Rooms, but don’t disturb the makers.

12.00 PM
Grab yourself a Salas wrap from his food truck on Rye Lane, the sustenance of makers and freelancers alike on a weekday lunchtime. We recommend the halloumi kebab, it’s the best in London. The bread for the wrap is handmade as you watch…

1.00 PM
Grab a sugar cane juice for the ride at the cane press and then hop on the 363 from Rye Lane towards the river.

2.00 PM
Jump off at Lambeth Road, a short walk to the brilliant Garden Museum. Learn about Katie Spragg’s residency Lambeth Wilds – Clay and Community and learn how to sculpt plant forms from clay, adding your contributions to a three-dimensional, collaborative nature diary.

3.00 PM
Take a break at the Garden Museum’s lovely cafe, seasonal produce is at the centre of their delicious menu and your table is at the centre of the beautiful garden.

4.00 PM
Stroll to Morely College, the home of arts and crafts learning south of the river. Take advantage of one of their many tester workshops, find out which craft is for you.

5.00 PM
After a jam-packed day of craft sightseeing make your way over for the last hour of Yinka Ilori’s exhibition Types of Happiness, which explores the art of sitting down. A fitting end, perhaps, to a long day South of the river.

Click below to access the Google Map

 

Ben Spriggs, Editor of ELLE Decoration, makes his selection of the highlights from the Pimlico Road Series at this year’s London Craft Week.

“In celebration of our 30th anniversary ELLE Decoration, is proud to partner with ‘The Pimlico Road Series’ at London Craft Week. Nowhere is the revival of craft within contemporary design more evident than in this corner of Belgravia. Here are my picks of the things not to be missed. Many of them are hosting special events for London Craft Week, but you can also visit any time…”

Rose Uniacke Explores the Application of Fabrics

Having trained as a furniture restorer, guilder and specialist in paint and lacquer before becoming an antiques dealer, Uniacke is well versed in traditional craft skills. Her services now extend to interior design and bespoke furniture and lighting, and her new range of hand-printed fabrics – ideal for upholstery, wallcoverings and curtains – will be shown at her store during Craft Week. 76–84 Pimlico Road.

Jamb: New Collections

While we relish contemporary design, we also enjoy beautiful antiques – which often showcase fantastic craftsmanship and attention to detail. And if it’s a period fireplace you’re after, Jamb – which deals in the finest antique and reproduction fire grates and fireplaces – is the place to go. Ten reproduction designs in Italian Breche marble, covering a range of styles, are being launched soon and a selection will be on display during London Craft Week. 95–97 Pimlico Road. 

Traditional Lost-Wax Casting with Collier Webb

Specialists in combining traditional and cutting-edge techniques to create stylish lighting, furniture and hardware, family-run business Collier Webb offers bespoke pieces and its own designs created at its foundry on the south coast. During London Craft Week, the company’s talented team of craftspeople will demonstrate the traditional lost-wax casting technique, known for being the best metal casting process for achieving fine detailing. 68 Pimlico Road. 

Demonstration of Artisanship at LINLEY

If there was ever a brand that epitomised masterful cabinetry fused with innovative design, it would be Linley. Ensuring each piece is made to the highest quality, the brand offers a range that spans accessories to kitchens, plus an interior design service. At its Craft Week events, discover the process of making bespoke products with demonstrations by artisans in partnership with QEST (the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust), which supports British craft. 60 Pimlico Road.

Traditional Skills Reimagined: Sophie Coryndon at Soane Britain

The integrity of the British manufacturing process underpins all of Soane’s designs. The brand utilises a network of workshops that excel in traditional artisan crafts, from iron forging and saddlery to rattan weaving and stone carving – all discovered on a road trip around Britain by co-founder Lulu Lytle. A new commission by British artist Sophie Coryndon, highlighting the reimagination of traditional skills, will be accompanied by demonstrations and a discussion with Lytle on her enthusiasm for exquisite craft. 50–52 Pimlico Road.

Bespoke Britain: A Maker’s Journey

We love how Fermoie’s hand-drawn patterns, printed using natural pigments onto pure cotton, 100 per cent linen or a blend of the two, are presented in simple colour families. Visit the store to pick up fabric lampshades and cushions, and order bespoke curtains and blinds. For Craft Week, Fermoie is collaborating with another Pimlico Road business, Dudgeon Sofas, and will preview its ‘Tented Stripe’ fabrics, upholstered onto Dudgeon’s ‘Somerset’ armchair. 53–55 Pimlico Road. 

More than 100 Years of Passionate Craftsmanship: Explore the Weaving Process of the Iconic Faaborg Chair

A relatively recent addition to the Pimlico Road, this new flagship store was located here at the request of Carl Hansen’s grandson, Knud Erik Hansen. The brand’s aim is to cater for the growing demand for Danish mid-century design brought to life through skilful craftsmanship and high-quality materials. Mesmerising weaving demonstrations of the iconic ‘Faaborg’ chair, first created in 1914, will be taking place during Craft Week. 48A Pimlico Road.

SCP Presents Serially Unique Objects

A stalwart of the British design scene since the mid-1980s, SCP has opened a new store on Pimlico Road that will showcase its own products, as well as furniture, lighting and other examples of craftsmanship. During London Craft Week, the shop will present ‘Serially Unique Objects’, an edit of products that contextualise its approach to design and I will be hosting a talk with ceramicist Floris Wubben and designer Donna Wilson. 57 Pimlico Road.

LUACHANNA: PINCH x Mourne Textiles

Set up by husband-and-wife team Russell and Oona Bannon, Pinch has a single aim: to design furniture and lighting they would want to live with. It just so happens we want to live with it too. So much so, in fact, we’ve awarded them several ELLE Decoration British Design Awards over the years. ‘Luachanna’, the brand’s first textile collection, produced by Mourne Textiles, will be launched during London Craft Week, with loom weaving demos in store. 46 Bourne Street. 

Cox London: A Passion for Bronze – Making the Mould

Highly sculptural in approach, Nicola and Christopher Cox reinterpret the beauty and intrigue of the natural world in their designs. As a Kiwi and Brit, they’ve been influenced by the 250-year anniversary of Captain Cook’s first South Pacific exploration. The brand’s ‘Voyager’ chair, being launched during London Craft Week, is an artful bronze design inspired by ocean swells and featuring upholstery hand-stitched with abstract maps.194 Ebury Street. 

How did you become interested in the craft of weaving?
My mother and father were placed in internment camps in the United States as young children during World War II, due to their Japanese heritage. During this time, crafts were an important way for parents to occupy and entertain their children. My dad gained a lifelong love of woodworking and architecture through this experience. He eventually graduated from the University of California, Berkeley and became a structural engineer, much of his focus being on using Japanese temple-building techniques.

My mother learned a lot of different types of crafts in camp and has since always created things with her hands. Almost forty years ago, my mom took a class from a basket maker from Japan and fell in love with Japanese basket weaving. She continued studying with her and with other basket makers as well. She eventually combined this training with my dad’s love of rocks to craft our rattan-wrapped river rocks. Her wrapped rocks have become very popular, particularly at museum gift shops around America, including The Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, California and The Noguchi Museum in Long Island, New York.

My mother’s and father’s love of crafts has had a big influence on me. I have always loved to do things with my hands – knitting, crocheting, sewing, drawing, painting, etc., and I ended up with a degree in design from the University of California, Los Angeles. My husband and I operated an engineering firm for many decades, where my art background influenced my drafting, allowing me to clearly and beautifully present building drawings. When my mom needed help with her growing business in wrapped rocks, it was a natural fit for me to join her. I love the technique and precision of weaving rattan around our rocks, and I love using my hands to bring an inner joy to myself, and with that, to others.

What is your design process?
My mother and I have always enjoyed the architecture of traditional Japanese knots. When tying our rocks, we consider the shape, color and size of each one and choose knots that will enhance these features. We then use our wrapping material of rattan, and now leather provided by LOEWE, to weave the desired patterns and knots. Our design process is one of bringing our joy of crafting to the finished piece.

What are the positives and negatives of working as a mother-daughter duo?
There are many positives to working together. My mother and I enjoy each other’s company and we truly like working together. We share a common understanding of art. When one sees beauty, the other one does too. We have an absolute trust in each other, so we have a very comfortable working relationship. I cannot think of any negatives. We are best friends and work together wonderfully.

What role does craftmanship and making of crafts have in society?
I think that crafts take us back to simpler times, when craftwork was needed by families to survive. Whether it be clothes making, furniture making, home building, or the like, crafts and craftmanship have allowed people to better their lives.

I believe that the modern world has brought great progress; however, it has taken most people away from craftwork. For my mother and I, doing craftwork allows us a pleasant time to create art without the pressures of modern life. Our observations of others have shown that people who sew, knit, or build anything with their hands are content and happy people.

LOEWE, thoughtfully, has brought the importance of hand crafting to a center stage. We hope that people around the world are getting a new appreciation of the benefits of crafts and handiwork to help the well-being of all of us. They understand that average citizens can benefit their own lives and others by using their hands again. So much joy is created within a person when you begin with nothing, and through your ingenuity and handiwork, end up with a beautiful piece of art. We believe that LOEWE, through their genius, and with great forethought, is encouraging a new renaissance in handmade crafts.

What are you most proud of?

Foremost, I am proud of our two children. They are fine young people. I am proud of a full life, one lived with little regret. In our business, I love the positive feedback that we get from our customers. We have had many people tell us that they get positive energy from our art, and that just seeing and holding our rocks brings a feeling of peace and tranquility. I am proud that we can bring joy to people through our art.

Join LOEWE and Shizu Designs for a series of specialist demonstrations in their newly opened flagship store on New Bond Street on 11 and 12 May. Read more.

“As always, the London Craft week programme deserves close attention and an afternoon armed with a highlighted pen and post it notes.

There is such variety across the programme, and it has spread from its Mayfair heartland into nooks and crannies across the city. This year my attention has been piqued by three strong themes emerging through the programme – a growing emphasis on international craft representation, the emergence of new and exciting craft voices, and opportunities to explore craft behind the velvet rope – spaces that are not normally accessible or widely open to the general public.”

1. LOEWE: Baskets Live Demonstrations by Shizu Designs 

Jonathan Anderson’s championing of craft at LOEWE has been a gamechanger. The basket installation at Milan was one of the highlights & so the opportunity to get up close to the work of Shizu Designs will be a must-see in London.

2. Heal’s x Gifu Japanese Craft Market

For the latest edition of the Heals Modern Craft market, the team have gone to Japan and curated a selection of work and workshops from independent producers from the Gifu region. The result is a 13 strong collection of varied work from modern and traditional makers, with plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the process through a series of fun and affordable workshops.

3. Bobby Mills at New Road Residence New 

I’m excited to see Bobby’s furniture – all made by hand using a woodturning lathe. It has a real elegance and lightness of touch that suggests he is an exciting maker to watch develop.

4. The New Craftsmen: Processing Lichen by Charlotte Kingsnorth

These extraordinary new bronze patinated tables and mirrors are inspired by patterns of lichen and are developed by layering chemicals & pigments to a heated bronze surface. Her works will be showcase alongside a selection of works co-curated by Charlotte. 

5. Tour of Building Crafts College

As a local resident, a visit to this college is long overdue so this is the perfect time to visit. Founded by the Worshipful Company of Carpenters in 1893, this space consistently trains up brilliant craftspeople across a range of disciplines. As it becomes more and more challenging to sustain making spaces in cities, it’s worth highlighting the kind of spaces that do still exist.

6. Making the Modern Using the Traditional: The Materiality of Mosque and Church

The tragedy of Notre Dame is a timely reminder of the role that religion – of all faiths – has played in commissioning extraordinary craftsmanship across history. Shahed Saleem, architect of East Hackney Mosque, and Alex Sherratt, architect of Mildmay Shoreditch Tabernacle offer a site visit to two new religious buildings, sharing insights on what it means to make a religious building in London capturing community identity today.

7. Real to Reel: The Craft Film Festival

And finally, the Crafts Council’s own contribution to London Craft Week includes Real to Reel: The Craft Film Festival. Now in its fourth year the festival returns to Picturehouse Central on 7 and 8 May with a different programme of short films each evening. Real to Reel is also supporting a special installation Screen for Another Focus by David Penny at The Future of Craft at Bargehouse, Oxo Tower Wharf from 9-12 May. The triptych installation blurs video and photography to interpret the extraordinary craftsmanship of the weavers at Dovecot Tapestry Studio.

1. Artisan Workshop: Card Case & Key Fob Making

While Dunhill is known better today for its sharp tailoring, it was founded back in 1893 to outfit people getting onto the then-newfangled motoring craze – so it makes sense that key fobs are still a large part of the label’s business. This workshop at Dunhill’s factory in Walthamstow will be great as not only do you get to see how they make their leathergoods, but you also get to take a personalised example home yourself. 

2. Scented Candle-Making Masterclass with Earl of East London

My house is filled with more scented candles than I’d care to count, including one by Earl of East in my bedroom (Atlas Cedar, to be specific). However, what I don’t have is any of the brand’s new bath salts – which I’m keen to learn more about (and make) at this workshop.

3. The Art of Repair: Kintsugi at wagumi 

I have always found the Japanese process of repairing precious pottery with lacquer and metal, not superglue, absolutely stunning. This workshop, which includes a lecture on the art of repair as well as a Japanese small plate and incense holder to work on (and take home), for me, is unmissable. 

4. Daylesford Explores the Craft of the Tabletop 

Speak to anyone who I’ve ever sent a thank you letter to and they’ll tell you I have abysmal spider-like handwriting. For the benefit of those people, I feel that calligraphy is a skill I should probably learn sooner rather than later – plus any excuse to spend far too much on baked goods and cheese at Daylesford is a good one, in my opinion.

5. ERDEM’s Personal Art Collection

Yes, you could go to his shop and drink in the designer’s stunning art collection any time – but I feel those Warhols and Cocteaus will look even better with a glass or two of complementary champagne. 

6. Hiut Denim at the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales

As a dedicated devotee of double denim, getting an insight into Hiut – a seriously cool jeansmaker based in a tiny Welsh town where ten per cent of the community is employed by the brand – is one not to pass up.

 

If you want to sum up what makes London Craft Week such an important expression of the capital’s creativity, you just have to look at the history of dunhill. From his beginnings in his family’s harness company in the second half of the 19th century, founder Alfred Dunhill’s passion for the emerging motor industry taught him how tradition and technology, craftsmanship and creativity could and should be perfect partners. Today dunhill is a global brand that stays true to this founding philosophy.

During this year’s London Craft Week, dunhill is celebrating the brand’s new global HQ in Mayfair. Designed by London-based architect Linda Morey-Burrows in partnership with dunhill, this has been crafted over two floors of a heritage building and embodies the qualities of tradition and forward-thinking design that have been synonymous with dunhill since its beginnings in 1893. To encapsulate this in a modern masculine space that inspires the team, the design plays with details that reflect the brand such as black leather, brass, ironmongery and tailoring fabrics alongside etched glass and wood, exposed concrete columns and steel balustrades. The result neatly sums up the dunhill approach.

According to dunhill CEO Andrew Maag, “Not only is new technology revolutionising the retail experience in the digital sphere, such as our new WeChat boutique, but it is also helping to make the craftsman’s job more interesting and innovation is helping to attract a new generation to engage with a wide variety of more interesting materials and provides the tools that help do things smarter, faster and better. But, of course, you need people who can touch and feel.”

This commitment to craftsmanship still has its roots planted firmly in London’s rich soil. dunhill’s workshop in Walthamstow opened in 1936 and the team based there continue to produce the finest leather accessories in the business, as well as offering a bespoke service for anything from wallets to luggage. “Craftsmanship is all about telling stories,” explains Maag. “When you are buying a leather bag you can start by comparing quality and price but discovering the story behind a piece – how it was made, the thought and the engineering that went into it and what did (or did not) make it to the final offer – is what makes the real difference to a luxury brand. Our knowledge of skins, of pattern making and engineering has to be the foundation of what we do.”

This commitment is reflected in dunhill’s tailoring, too. Today, the bespoke tailoring all takes place at the flagship store Bourdon House where Maag has had the space redesigned, partly with an eye to attracting young craftsmen to join the business, such as the two new strikers (assistants to cutters) that have recently been signed up. “I see a vibrancy in the young people of London who are passionate about what they do,” says Maag.

So, it comes as no surprise that dunhill is one of the Headline Sponsors of the fifth London Craft Week. The brand’s centuries-old roots in the capital is proof of the astonishing range of craftsmanship and creativity that has always been found here.

Text by Robert Johnston

View dunhill’s events here 

London Craft Week is looking for new volunteers to join the team from Wed 8 to Sun 12 May 2019. 

From the smallest off-the-beaten-track atelier to the storied livery halls of ancient makers’ guilds, the shop floors of luxury retailers to St Paul’s Cathedral, London Craft Week takes people on a journey of discovery into the capital’s most creative spaces.

Launched in 2015 London Craft Week aims to showcase creativity and craftsmanship across Art, Fashion, and Design, celebrating the unsung heroes both established and emerging from each. 

Since our inception, the week has doubled in size. This year there will be over 230 events, covering 50+ craft disciplines from musical instrument making to basket weaving and spectacle making. Check out the full list of events at: lcw-xk7yr.projectbeta.co.uk/programme.

Every year volunteers play a big part in creating a very 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 the onsite presences at each event, dealing with visitor queries, occasionally assisting with any event logistics such as ticketing/guest list, and supporting the individual event runners by being the direct contact to liaise with where any LCW team support is needed. 

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!

You will be required to attend a half-day training session on Thursday, April 25th This training session will serve as an introduction to LCW and will cover the different aspects of the volunteer role.

We would ideally like someone to commit to volunteering for the whole period of the 8-12th May, however, we are open to working with your schedule and the hours that are possible to you.

We reimburse reasonable travel expenses and lunch against receipts – refreshments will be available at the office additionally.

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 Kate@londoncraftweek.com.