Category: News

Though our usual routines may lose a little of their rigidity over the summer, diaries seem to fill up faster than ever. Make the most of precious remaining slots with our selection of experiences across the worlds of craft, art and design. From the latest talent at New Designers, to a particularly convivial Serpentine Pavilion and two revitalised institutions bouncing back onto the scene, there’s plenty of zip about town this summer. Knowing though that most of us will welcome a gentler pace as temperatures rise, we’ve included four day trip suggestions for a change of scene that’s still laced with well-crafted culture.

And, while calendars are to hand, why not pop in the dates for the tenth anniversary edition of London Craft Week, which takes place 13-19 May 2024.

We’re taking a break for August, so look forward to sharing our next round-up of cultural happenings and fine craftsmanship in early September. In the meantime, we will continue to share creative talent, events and experiences on Instagram, so please follow us there. Wishing you a happy summer.

Craft Capital

 

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WC2, ongoing
The National Portrait Gallery has reopened, inviting visitors through its new Tracey Emin-designed doors. The bronze doors’ low-relief depictions of ‘every woman, throughout time’ foretell the more diverse and inclusive picture that is now painted through the collection on show. New Making Galleries delve deeper into the process of portraiture. Find out more

 

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E2, ongoing 
Aiming to be ‘the most joyful museum in the world’, the newly reopened Young V&A is designed to showcase the power of creativity in children’s lives. A ‘doing’ museum, it encourages hands-on interaction with the various multi-sensory experiences on offer and offers a construction zone, a performance and story-telling stage, and an open design studio in which imaginations can run free. Find out more

 

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W2, until 29 October 
Titled, ‘À Table’, the French call to join together around a meal, this year’s Serpentine Pavilion invites visitors to gather around the circular table that curves around its perimeter. The roof too is inspired by the architecture of community gathering, taking its lead from the togunas of Mali, West Africa. Its pleated form, which references palm leaves, sits low to create an atmosphere of calm conviviality. Find out more

 

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N1, until 8 July
New Designers at Islington’s Business Design Centre is the largest showcase of graduate designers in the country. Discover fresh designs by the newest businesses in the industry at ND Selects, a subsection of the event curated by London Craft Week Partner Louisa Pacifico, Founder of Future Icons. Find out more

 

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Sarah Myerscough Gallery, W1, until 21 October
Sarah Myerscough Gallery marks its Silver Jubilee with the exhibition ‘Collections,’ an immersive and representative curation of their key artists and artworks. The show weaves together the makers, materials and objects who express the vision of the gallery; expect signature works from familiar names, as well as new directions and developments. Find out more

 

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Fashion & Textiles Museum, SE1, until 10 September 
There’s a distinctly summery flavour to many of Andy Warhol’s textiles, currently on show at the Fashion & Textiles Museum. Warhol’s fascination with everyday items and artistic relationship with mass production emerges here, and the exhibition, the first dedicated to his commercial textile designs, showcases how this work contributed to the artist’s oeuvre. Find out more

Curated Day Trips

 

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Wakehurst, Sussex, until 17 September

Wakehurst has commissioned a series of award-winning artists to create a series of outdoor installations in celebration of trees. Taking inspiration from Wakehurst’s varied landscapes and ecology, the eight works capture a broad range of artistic practices, from sculpture to sound. Visitors will discover a 10m explosion of neon, a series of human portraits carved from trees lost to Storm Arwen, a drinks bar made entirely from fungi, giant wooden megaphones and plenty more. Find out more

 

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Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire, until 26 October  

Waddesdon Manor was built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild to display his collection of arts and entertain a fashionable elite. The latest Rothschild Foundation commission, the 12m ceramic tiled ‘Wedding Cake’ by celebrated Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos is a suitably generous and joyful addition to this collection, set as a folly amid the gardens. Visit this summer for a tour of the multi-tiered structure before going on to explore the collection of contemporary sculpture in the Water Garden. Find out more

 

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Ascott House, Bedfordshire, until 17 September

Ascott House hosts the late Victoria, Lady de Rothschild’s collection of contemporary craft prior to its auction through Maak this September. Tomasz Starzewski curated the display across the house’s six public reception rooms. The historic domestic setting juxtaposes contemporary works with antique interiors, celebrating materiality and the quality of the hand-made, regardless of era. Find out more

 

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Kettle’s Yard, Cambridgeshire, until 29 October 

The current exhibition of Palestinian embroidery at Cambridge’s Kettle’s Yard is the first to explore this beautiful and intricate tradition, in the UK, in over 30 years. Alongside historic dresses are artworks by five contemporary artists, films of embroiderers speaking about their work and rarely seen archive material. Consider then heading down the road to the Fitzwilliam Museum for their showcase of embroidery practices from across the Mediterranean.  Find out more

Meet The Makers: Uzomaka Obiocha and Henry Rolnick

 

This month, we get to know two New York-based textile designers we came upon at the recent North American Pavilion exhibition at No. 9 Cork Street. Both showed with Of The Cloth, an art and design gallery whose interests span the realms of textiles, ceramics, antiques, contemporary art, and furniture, always exploring how materials shape our experiences, evoke emotions, and influence our interactions.

Uzomaka Obiocha and Henry Rolnick share an intuitive and responsive relationship with the materials they work with, “I enjoy that within the woven and dyed cotton fibers, a structural dance unfolds, forming patterns and textures that bring my creative ideations to life. Through this process, the materials themselves become storytellers” (UO) “When I wind warps and weave in the wefts, I have a wide array of natural fibers and yarn sizes to choose from and I integrate them together intuitively, allowing for the materials to tell me where they want to be in the fabric.” (HR)

We hear about how ideas form and are developed into final pieces. “A significant aspect of my creative process involves invoking the wisdom and talents of my ANCESTORS” (OB) and “I find inspiration in propaganda, advertising, and product packaging, as they provide insight into the communication channels through which we inspire intentions and actions.” (HR)

The interviews close with a look ahead to where each artist intends to take their practice and an introduction to other artists they admire.

Read the full interviews here. Follow their work at Of The Cloth

Additional image credits

Craft Capital
National Portrait Gallery Reopens: The new doors at the entrance to the National Portrait Gallery, London, designed by Tracey Emin. Photograph © Olivier Hess
Young V&A Reopens: Selection of doll’s houses to be installed within Rachel Whiteread’s installation Place (Village). © Jamie Stoker courtesy of Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Serpentine Pavilion 2023: Serpentine Pavilion 2023, designed by Lina Ghotmeh. © Lina Ghotmeh — Architecture. Photo: Iwan Baan, Courtesy: Serpentine.
New Designers: New Designers 2022
Collections: Installation view by James Harris courtesy of Sarah Myerscough Gallery
Andy Warhol: Image courtesy Fashion and Textile Museum

Curated Day trips
Rooted: James Hillier work in progress, James Hillier © RBG Kew
Wedding Cake Tours: Wedding Cake 3D Rendering © Atelier Joana Vasconcelos
The Collection of Victoria, Lady de Rothschild: Image courtesy of Maak
Material Power: Everyday dress from Gaza or Hebron, 1935-1940, from the collection of Tiraz: Widad Kawar Home for Arab Dress

Could you tell us about what you are working on at the moment?

 

I have my first solo show at the end of this year, so I’m considering the scope of my work and how to interweave the various visual narratives I have developed. My primary mediums are weaving and sewn fabric, through which I allow the materials to guide me toward the forms they want to create. Over time, I have developed a language of expression with these materials that has brought me to new levels of resolve in my concepts. Currently, I am curating a collection that tells this story, selecting works that embody it, and determining any additional elements needed for the exhibition. I am planning to create new tapestry works and smaller-scale fabric compositions, similar to studies or drawings, to complement the larger works on display.

 

What do you enjoy about the material(s) you work with?

 

In weaving, I adore the structure and the way various materials speak to each other within that structure.  When I wind warps and weave in the wefts, I have a wide array of natural fibers and yarn sizes to choose from and I integrate them together intuitively, allowing for the materials to tell me where they want to be in the fabric.  I like to combine various fibers, strategically setting them at a semi-regular cadence to enhance tension and construction.  For instance, if I am using smooth yarns like silk and rayon, I might incorporate wool and cashmere to introduce a micro-felt element after a light wash, which improves the fabric’s structure.  I feel a deep connection to natural fibers and tend to gravitate toward them.  However, I am also intrigued by the advancements in yarn and material technology and would love to explore new synthetics.

 

How do new ideas emerge for you and what is the process for developing them into finished pieces?

 

Conceptually, my work revolves around exploring visual language and the underlying expressions conveyed through various forms.  I find inspiration in propaganda, advertising, and product packaging, as they provide insight into the communication channels through which we inspire intentions and actions.  I explore through intuitive form creation, arriving at compositions that inspire the viewer to “read” abstractions of language, prompting us to reflect on our relationship with what we read and the assumptions we make in response to the world around us.

 

Where do you hope to take your practice in the future and why?

 

I aim to expand my practice into various modes of creation, particularly in industrial textiles and materials related to mass production and packaging.  I am deeply intrigued by the materials we use to package and present products, with the ultimate goal of evoking the desire within customers to purchase and incorporate the product into their lives. Exploring the origins of this spark of desire and understanding how it drives our civilization is an ongoing field of research for me.  I aspire to develop physical expressions that delve into this concept, ranging from large-scale installations to individual wall works and even consumer products that all embody a shared visual language.

 

Which other current artist-makers’ work do you admire?

 

I want to shout out Tau Lewis, whose work I discovered earlier this year.  Tau’s connection to ancestral craft and freedom of imagination serves as an inspiration for me to remain true to my authentic expression.  The way she brings characters to life and establishes relationships with them reminds me that every artist possesses a unique world that they bring to life.  When that connection is clear, it results in artwork like Tau’s that brims with vitality and expression, transporting viewers to another realm where they can reflect without the usual barriers or distractions we all face.  Tau’s work seems to break free from the confines of the capitalist cycle, offering a remedy that we all need in these times.  

 

Follow Henry Rolnick at Of The Cloth 

Two masters of their craft – Sipsmith and glassware designer Richard Brendon – come together to deliver the ultimate masterclass in martinis.

Richard takes you through the craft of producing his exquisite cut-crystal range, while Sipsmith help you rediscover the lost art of throwing a martini (not shaken or stirred, contrary to popular belief). Following this, go on a tour of the home of Sipsmith Gin before tasting a delicious Sipsmith Gin martini in one of Richard’s exceptional martini glasses, which you are welcome to take home with you.

Each £75 ticket covers two guests.

Book via eventbrite here

In the studio with East London’s makers

Molten 1090

Charles Trevelyan: Method and Maquette: 10 Years of Making
Charles Trevelyan is an Australian designer of furniture, lighting and limited edition works. After a decade of producing sculptural pieces in conjunction with the world-renowned Carpenters Workshop Gallery, Trevelyan opens his studio to the public for the first time to present an exhibition of the experiments and handmade maquettes that form an integral part of the development process for these works. Find out more

Brodie Neill: Turning Tables
Brodie Neil is an innovative material designer who transforms materials such as ocean plastic, underwater forests and salvaged timbers into collectable design pieces. Go behind-the-scenes at his canal-side atelier to explore these processes and a collection of upcycled centrepieces called ‘Turning Tables’. Find out more

Gareth Neal: Open Studio
Gareth Neal leads a progressive and collaborative East London design and craft studio. The team are as fascinated by traditional tools as they are the latest computer-controlled router and bring in-depth knowledge of historical techniques and aesthetics to bear on new materials and processes. Gareth’s workshop is a treasure trove of new work, offcuts, exciting tests and tools. Find out more

Behind the Scenes of Kate Malone’s Glaze Archive
Kate Malone has spent her career pioneering stoneware crystalline glaze research and chemistry experimentation. The resulting knowledge has led to a huge output of studio ceramic art and notable collaborations with prominent architects and designers. Go behind the scenes of Kate’s London studio archive, discover her glaze techniques and hear about her public art commissions and collaborations. Book here

Molten 1090: An Insight into Design and Making with a Circular Design Ethos
Handblown glass specialists Molten 1090 give a unique insight into the circular design ethos driving the design and making of their homeware products. Drop by their studio or book a space for the demonstration and Q&A hosted by creative director Laura, journeying through the thought process, inspirations and techniques of making Molten 1090 products. Demonstration attendees will receive a piece of Molten 1090’s Fleck collection. Book here

ELLE Decoration champions LCW in East London

The LCW 2023 programme is delighted to have the support of ELLE Decoration:

“At ELLE Decoration we are excited to be championing the craftsmanship and creativity of east London during this year’s London Craft Week. From the established talents of Brodie Neil and Gareth Neal, both of whom have previously featured in our pages, to the exciting new and emerging talents that can be discovered at Cockpit, this is a neighbourhood that offers inspiration at every turn. And, with our talk with modern ceramics maverick Floris Wubben taking place at SCP during the festivities, we can’t wait to be part of the experience.”

Old Spitalfields Market celebrates textile heritage

Stitch School

Old Spitalfields Market sits at the heart of East London’s textile trade, having been home to the Huguenot weavers in the 19th century, and hosts a number of events for LCW, showcasing both weaving traditions and modern fabric applications.

The Art of Weaving. Huguenot Supper Cloth: A Communal Embroidery Project by Stitch School
The project invites the general public to join together to participate in a piece of communal embroidery based on a historical Huguenot silk weave pattern. Read more…

The Modern Weaver: Live Demonstrations and Exhibition by Majeda Clarke
Majeda Clarke, whose work preserves the traditions of hand weaving, brings her craft to the centre of Old Spitalfields Market for two days of weaving demonstrations. Read more…

Nancy Nicholson Studios: The Fabric of a Rug
Weaver Nancy Nicholson presents an exploration of design, storytelling and the role textiles play in cultures around the world. Discover the studio’s new series of rugs and wall hangings at The Mercantile. Read more…

Mignonette Bridal
Mignonette Bridal launch their first zero-waste bridal collection. Watch them work and learn a few hand-decorating techniques to revitalise your own clothing. Read more…

Check the full programme for other textiles events in the area: Sarabande Foundation celebrates the art of contemporary weaving with an immersive exhibition showcasing the talents of three Sarabande studio residents whose weaving takes very different forms. Or head over to Hackney Road for a ‘state of the craft’ exhibition surveying contemporary quilt-making at the newly opened Batsford Gallery – Quilts: A Material Culture.

Talks and workshops to book now

The Royal Mint

A Talk with The Royal Mint’s Chief Engraver
The home of precious metals, The Royal Mint is the official maker of beautifully designed Great British coins and thoughtfully crafted medals. Once a coin is designed and approved, a model of the coin is produced from plaster, before being scanned and stored as a digital file, from which an engraving machine cuts the design onto a piece of steel. This talk with chief engraver Gordon Summers provides the opportunity to delve into centuries of British heritage and craftsmanship and learn about the engraving process. Book here

Floris Wubben in conversation with ELLE Decoration at SCP
SCP present a collection of ceramics by Floris Wubben, renowned for their unique sculptural products created using self-designed low-tech machines. On Thursday there will be an evening event with Floris in conjunction with ELLE Decoration to celebrate craftsmanship, precision and innovation. The evening will kick off with a talk led by Clare Sartin, the Deputy Editor of UK’s ELLE Decoration, followed by a drinks reception. Book here

Fedrigoni: Paper Artistry workshop
Fedrigoni Paper invites you to a special showcase of paper artistry at its London Studio throughout the week. Clare Pentlow, who combines precision paper-cutting with bold colours, creating pieces with a hypnotic sense of depth and movement will be sharing her skills in a workshop on Friday afternoon. Her work evokes intricate and complex correspondences exploring the life within through fascinating geometric designs and patterns. Book here

Aberlour’s Speakeasy at Charlie’s Workshop: Tasting & leatherwork
Single Malt Whisky Aberlour has partnered with the leather smith and luggage maker Charlie Borrow to create an exclusive and intimate speakeasy bar experience in the hidden basement under Charlie’s workshop. Book ahead to reserve a spot to visit the Aberlour speakeasy bar where you can enjoy bespoke whisky cocktails and drams created especially for LCW, or book a space to experience the craftsmanship first hand with a leather wallet-making workshop. Book here

Museum of the Home: Talk & workshops
Join Museum of the Home and sustainable interiors brand Poodle and Blonde for ‘Home Sweet (Sustainable) Home’, a series of bunting workshops and talks, exploring the significance and feelings of home. Paying particular attention to the 1970s African-Caribbean Front Room, the programme invites you to share and hear stories of the past and present, and their deep connections to the communities that make up the museum audience. Book here

London Craft Week is delighted to be working with Park Royal Design District, home to an emerging cluster of creative talent and one of the Mayor’s newest Creative Enterprise Zones. This unique landscape has inspired a particularly eclectic mix of disciplines, many finding inspiration from reclaimed materials and repurposed offcuts from their industrial neighbours. These recurring themes of circularity and resourcefulness, combined with high-tech future-looking innovation can be seen in ceramics, leatherwork, sculpture, millinery, screen-printing and small-scale fashion brands throughout the area.

Visitors can expect to browse an array of beautiful goods in a central marketplace, take part in hands-on workshops, as well as panel talks, live demonstrations and open studio tours. There’ll also be two exhibitions – Park Royal Clay, which explores the work of 8 different ceramicists working with raw clay sourced from a local excavation project, and Future x Craft which reveals craftspeople working at the intersection of ancient practices and modern technology.

Hear from the innovative creatives of the Park Royal Design District | Talks to book now

 

In this series of talks and demonstrations, discover the inspiring journeys that have led Park Royal’s artists and makers to master their chosen crafts, learn about new techniques in natural and sustainable materials, and watch live showcases of 3D printing, bookbinding, welding and more.

 

The Craft of Fashion: Sustainable and Future Facing

13 May 2023, 13:00-14:00

A panel talk of local makers on the importance and output of sustainable fashion.

Alistair O’Neill, fashion historian, curator and Professor of Fashion History and Theory at Central St Martins will chair a talk with local designers; milliner Pip Hackett, denim designer By.Wuzzy and designer, Timothy Gibbons. They will be discussing the merits of small-scale fashion production, raising ideas about craft, knowing your customer and designing within a locale.

Book now 

 

Re-Imagining Material and Architectural Design

12 May 2023, 15:00 – 16:00

Architectural studio Retrouvius in conversation with artist Henry Krokatsis and Author Ruth Lang.

Join Maria Speake (Retrouvius Design Studio and practice) and Henry Krokatsis (artist, sculptor and owner of Queensrollahouse) in conversation with Ruth Lang (Author of Building for Change: The Architecture of Creative Reuse) discussing their individual practices of reusing and reimagining materials to create new spaces.

Book now

 

Bill Amberg and Danny Lane, In Conversation

12 May 2023, 13:00-14:00

Bill Amberg Studios, famous for luxury leather goods and interiors and Danny Lane, a sculptor and interior designer of glass will discuss the specialisms, passions and intricacies of these most everyday materials and how their knowledge elevates their products. They will be chaired by Becky Sunshine, Interior, Design and Lifestyle Journalist.

Book now

Re-using London’s Clay | Exhibition & Tour

 

 

Park Royal Clay brings together a collective of Park Royal based artists and ceramicists working with raw London clay, extracted from almost right beneath their feet. Working with a variety of scales, techniques and experimental processes, the exhibition reveals the versatility and beauty of this abundant natural material. Includes work by: Absolute Beginners, Tom Hertz, Grace McCarthy, Victor Pedrosa, Pati Starsykowski, David Samuel and more.

Over the next six months, over 800,000 tonnes of London Clay will be excavated from hundreds of metres beneath the surface of the HS2 construction site at Old Oak Common. 8 tonnes of this clay has been delivered to the Re-Made in Park Royal hub hub to share with their creative community to understand how the clay could be re-used, supporting the local circular economy. These pilot projects by artists based in Park Royal will work to understand the opportunities of the material, producing prototypes and experiments which will be displayed during London Craft Week as part of Park Royal Design District.

Exhibition 

12 May 2023, 10:00 – 20:00; 13 May 2023, 10:00 – 18:00

Find out more

Guided Tour 

13 May 2023, 11:30 – 12:30

Join Sarah Mann (Senior Arts and Culture Manager, HS2) for an exhibition walk-through, meeting some of the artists, ceramicists and makers transforming raw London clay into works of art and everyday products.

Book now

 

Please refer to the Park Royal Design District ‘Featured Project’ page for full details of all events taking place as part of London Craft Week. 

London Craft Week is looking for new volunteers to join the team from Monday 8th – Sunday 14th May 2023.

 

From the latest developments in material innovation and digital craft to collectable objects and heritage skills, LCW presents a rich and diverse programme of events from more than 750 makers and brands. 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 on-site presence at events, dealing with visitor queries, occasionally assisting with event logistics such as ticketing and guest lists, and supporting the individual event organisers by being the direct contact to liaise with where any LCW team support is needed. We are looking for presentable, confident and enthusiastic individuals who have a keen interest in craft, design and 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 and we offer a modest lunch allowance and travel expenses.

 

If you would like to get involved, please send your CV and/or a brief statement of interest to info@londoncraftweek.com by midday on Friday 14 April 2023.  Please include ‘Volunteer’ in the Subject line.

For so many of us the festive season passes as an all-out frenetic buzz before we allow ourselves to draw breath on Boxing Day morning. In November’s edit we hope to restore a bit of balance throughout the month with a mix of festive events and opportunities to slow down, reflect and savour the experience.

We hope you will all find a quiet moment to enjoy our ‘Meet The Maker’ conversation with progressive sculptural artist and furniture designer Gareth Neal whose 3D printing practice is at the forefront of craft’s evolution today.

For more exceptional craftsmanship throughout the month please follow us on Instagram @londoncraftweek

Craft Capital

Our pick of what to see and do across London over the coming month

Christie’s Lates | The Artisan Edition

Christie’s, SW1, 2nd December, 6-9pm

Celebrate the art of craftsmanship with Christie’s at an evening event brimming with artisan talks, workshops and demonstrations. Helen Chislett, co-author of the newly released book “Craft Britain: Why Making Matters” will lead a panel discussion on the subject. Pocket some interior design tips from Edward Bulmer, marvel at the intricacy of stitching in the hands of Lora Avedian and try your hand at silver hammering, guided by master silversmith Wayne Meeten. 

Image: Laura Avedian at work | Credit: Laura Avedian | Photo by Aloha Bonser-Shaw

 

Searching for Apricity

Flow Gallery, W11, Until 17th January 2023

If ever a word should be brought back to common parlance it’s ‘apricity’. Meaning ‘the warmth of the winter sun’ it conjures the most appealing of seasonal moments. Through their joint exhibition of ceramics and textiles – ‘Searching for Apricity’ – Nancy Fuller and Maria Sigma invite us to slow down and contemplate our experience of the always-changing seasons.  

Image: Nancy Fuller ceramics | Credit: Flow Gallery

 

Paper & Clay by Canopy Collections

Cromwell Place, SW7, 6th-11th December 

London Craft Week is privileged to span multiple worlds, the boundaries between art, craft, design and architecture always being blurred. This ambiguity is embraced wholeheartedly by Francesca Anfossi, one of thirteen international artists brought together by Canopy Collections to explore different perspectives on the material nature of paper and clay. Working in close collaboration with local communities, Francesca’s handmade pieces are inspired by everyday domesticity, resulting in striking objects that flow from the nature of their material and fulfil genuine human needs. Does that make them craft, art or design? We’ll leave you to decide. 

Image: Tamara Van San, Tidal Wave, 2018. glazed ceramic | Courtesy of Canopy Collections

 

The Carpenters’ Line

Japan House London, W8, Until 29th January 2023

Retreat from the pre-Christmas bustle into the woods of the Japanese region of Hida. This exhibition of master woodworking exudes calm, but its subjects pack a punch. They honed and pushed their craft over the course of centuries to build some of Japan’s most famous temples and contribute to the collections of museums around the globe.

Image credit: Japan House London

 

Another Pantry Pop-Up Grocery Store

WC2, Until 1st December

Another Pantry is a contemporary food platform that champions seasonal, slow and conscious cooking. Founder Safia Shakarchi draws together the most thoughtful talents working in food today and brings their products and recipes to a home-cooking audience. For the rest of this month you can get a taste of their favourites at Another Pantry’s Pop-Up Grocery Store in Seven Dials. If you’re keen to don an apron and learn a thing or two, you might just be able to book one of the remaining tickets for Sunday’s Wildfarmed pasta-making workshop with Olivia Cavalli, using planet-pleasing regeneratively farmed flour. 

Image credit: Another Pantry | Photo by Liz Seabrook

Festive open studios and shopping events

Go off-piste to discover extraordinary handmade gifts this Christmas.

Cockpit Winter Open Studios

Bloomsbury, WC1, 24th-27th November & Deptford, SE8 3DZ, 2nd-4th December

This is likely not the first you’ve heard of Cockpit’s Open Studios, and with good reason: It’s the big one. Home to over 160 makers across a wide range of disciplines, we challenge anyone to come away empty-handed. See Beatrice Larkin (@beatricelarkin) pushing the capabilities of a Jacquard loom with woven translations of the blotches and blurred edges in her hand-sketched line drawings; Darren Appiagyei (@inthegrainn) demonstrating true respect for materials in the turning of exotic woods; and meet Majeda Clarke who believes so passionately about the importance of keeping community traditions alive, as she has done in learning from the Jamdhani weavers of Dhaka.

Image credit: Majeda Clarke 

 

Gareth Neal Festive Open Studio

N1, 26th November

A highlight of the De Beauvoir Christmas shopping trail, Gareth Neal will be lighting the fire, mulling the wine and inviting you to browse a selection of handmade wares. In this month’s Meet the Maker interview [link] he also shares that he’ll be putting some of his latest experiments with robot arms and traditional crafts on display.

Image courtesy of Gareth Neal | Photo by Cliqq studios

 

anatomē Christmas shopping event

W1, 3rd-4th December

In the spirit of balance this season, anatomē’s festive weekend promises a moment’s respite from the hubbub. Sip a botanical cocktail while creating bespoke bath oils and salts to gift, or maybe keep.

Image credit: anatome | Photo by Georgia Rudd

 

Studio Pottery London: Makers Christmas Market At Eccleston Yards

SW1, 26th-27th November 

Come for the selection of pottery from twenty ceramicists and leave with a new hobby for 2023. Studio Pottery London supports all lovers of clay with taster lessons for absolute beginners and a mentoring programme for more experienced potters.

Image credit: Studio Pottery London

Meet the Maker

Interview with Gareth Neal

Gareth Neal has been shining brightly on our radars this month. Not only will he open his doors for the festive event detailed above, but his work stars on the cover of ‘Craft Britain: Why Making Matters’. This is a fitting acknowledgement of the important role he is playing in stretching the boundaries of what is understood by craft today. 

We hear from Gareth about challenging notions of craft: “Many would question that if something is made without the hand is it even craft?”. 

We ask how it feels as a maker working with technology-first processes: “What’s so wonderful about the process of printing directly from the computer is the ability to see what you think it’s going to look like prior to committing precious material and resources to its existence.”

Gareth shares what he’s got his eye on across the capital this winter and we talk about the future. Read the full interview on our News page to hear about his dream commission and where the experiments are going next. Spoiler alert: It involves placing traditional craft techniques in the arms of robots.

Image: Gareth making the Zaha Vessels | Courtesy of Gareth Neal | Photo by Petr

Discover more makers and their stories.