Category: News

Discover outstanding British and international craftsmanship during this year’s edition of London Craft Week, with over 300 events taking place throughout the city. With less than a week until the festival launches we’ve put together a selection of LCW talks highlights to help you navigate the programme.

Find out more about the lively discussions taking place during LCW 2022 below, and don’t miss the full line up on our Programme page.

 

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Image: Heritage of London

Monday 9 May

 

From 11am to 5pm, Heritage of London Trust’s director Dr Nicola Stacey is joined by designer Kit Kemp MBE at The Soho Hotel as they speak to three makers: model-maker Isabella Gilding, expert gilder Sue Lee and Peter Campling, who has been working to restore stained glass for over 40 years. Book now.

At 2pm, designer and painter Alan Dodd explores the origins and techniques of mural and trompe l’oeil decoration, illustrated with examples of his work at Spencer House and elsewhere, with creations ranging from Gothick dining rooms to Pompeiian ceilings and rustic ruins. Book now.

Be-Spoke presents a live panel discussion featuring gallerist Shiro Muchiri; Maria Cheung, Head of Interiors, Squire and Partners and Kate Maestri, London based architectural glass artist. Together with series host Adriana Paice Kent of Woven Spaces, they consider different aspects of, and approaches to, the commissioning process. Book now.

At her pop-up at Old Spitalfields Market, illustrator and print designer Sabina Savage discusses her creative process, from storytelling to placement print. Book now.

In a talk and podcast recording at Mortimer House at 7pm, renowned jewellery historian and host of the podcast ‘If Jewels Could Talk’, Carol Woolton, explores the many myths and magic behind the creation of some of history’s most talked-about pieces. Book now.

 

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Image: Crafts Council, photo by Simon Mills

Tuesday 10 May

 

The Dorchester is collaborating with Paris-based art consultancy, VISTO, to commission original pieces by contemporary British artists. At this exclusive event at 4pm, get a sneak peek of some of the pieces, the inspiration behind the collection, and an introduction to some of the talented artists commissioned for the project. Book now.

Join Anya Hindmarch, founder and CEO of her eponymous brand, in conversation with Sara Grady and Alice Robinson, founders of Grady + Robinson, and Jimmy Woodrow from Pasture for Life for a discussion on land, animals and leather at 6pm. Book now.

At 6pm, one of Morgan Motor Company’s senior designers, Thomas Brainwood, will also be taking part in a live talk compared by Morgan owner and friend of the brand, Dave Burt. Listen as Thomas talks through his own journey in car design and the company’s commitment to craft and tailoring. Book now.

Savile Row tailoring is thriving like never before, with suits, jackets and trousers taking starring roles in Hollywood and British films.  From 6 to 9pm, join a talk to hear how tailors Cad & The Dandy create characters rather than costumes. Book now.

Join ‘An evening with Chris Hill’ at Professor Jimmy Choo’s prestigious new London Fashion Academy at 6pm, to hear from one of the world’s most eminent craft academics in the footwear industry. Book now.

To mark the launch of the May/June issue of Crafts magazine and the opening of the Crafts Council’s new exhibition Gaining Ground, the Crafts Council Gallery is hosting a discussion at 6.30pm about how traditional craft practices can help repair our ecosystems and societies. Book now.

 

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Image: Goldfinger

Wednesday 11 May

 

At 11am and 3pm, Royal Academy of Music curator of instruments Barbara Meyer and the workshop team present workshop demonstrations that introduce the fascinating history of stringed instrument making. Book now.

Planque presents the ceramic artworks of potter/chef Alisdair Brooke-Taylor. From 5 to 6pm, Planque’s head sommelier James Lewis guides guests on an exploration of the unique connection between each wine and their terroir, while discussing with Alisdair his process and approach to creating. Book now.

As a parallel to Asako Shiroki’s exhibition in the Daiwa Foundation Japan House gallery, Graham Ellard and Stephen Johnstone present their film ‘Pattern’, which features Shiroki at work. The talk takes place at 6pm and is followed by a drinks reception. Book now.

The Mills Fabrica hosts a conversation with Dezeen, the biomaterial innovation company Modern Synthesis and Renewcell, creators of Circulose®, a new natural material closing the loop on fashion. Join them at 6.30pm for a discussion on their explorations and experiments in material innovation and its applications, from furniture to footwear. Book now.

Goldfinger hosts a panel discussion at 6.30pm, ‘From Tree to Table’. The discussion is chaired by Roddy Clarke, a journalist and speaker striving towards a circular economy, focusing his work on what true sustainability really means today. Book now.

At 6.30pm, Robertaebasta London hosts Caterina Licitra-Ponti for an event dedicated to the great master of Italian design, Gio Ponti, discussing his life and legacy. Book now.

From 7 to 10pm, The Beaumont hosts an intimate dinner and discussion with DeART’s Massimo de Munari, designer and creator of exquisite humidors, as well as other experts from the world of the finest cigars. Book now.

 

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Image: Cox London

Thursday 12 May

 

In this online event at 2pm, Ikuko Iwamoto demonstrates how she creates her dotted, thorn and spiky surface decoration with porcelain, clay and slip, as well as showing slip-casting techniques. In association with the Royal Society of Sculptors and Cavaliero Finn. Book now.

At 3pm, join Museum of the Home director Sonia Solicari, artist Barnaby Barford, ceramicist Rich Miller and market specialist Marijke Varrall-Jones to celebrate FiredUp4. This charity brings together 50 artists to raise funds for pottery studios for young people across the UK. Book now.

From 5.50 to 7.30pm, discover the art of using colour in the home with Fromental and Martin Moore. Co-founder Tim Butcher shines a spotlight on the creation of decorative wallcoverings, while Martin Moore’s design team demonstrates bespoke colour in luxury kitchen design. Book now.

At 6pm, Anthropologie hosts block printer Molly Mahon, co-founder of fashion retailer East, Penny Oliver and Founder and Designer Lucinda Chambers, in conversation with journalist Cosmo Brockway, for a talk about the art and history of block printing and how it’s used in the 21st century. Book now.

At Sotheby’s Institute of Art, Dr Barbara Lasic chairs an insightful talk by Martin Levy, director of H. Blairman & Sons. From 6pm, Martin discusses collecting and the market for the Arts and Crafts and shares his passion for antiques. Book now.

Tom Faulkner, celebrated maker of metal furniture, hosts an exhibition in his Chelsea showroom of FIVE – a new silver and metal collective creating contemporary sculpture and objects. At 6pm, join a talk with Tom and Ane Christensen, one of the UK’s leading contemporary makers in metal. Book now.

Is there a way that technology can be married with craft skills to the advantage of both maker and product? Join a discussion with Kam Ce Kam and EDGE at 6pm. Book now.

Fedrigoni Paper exhibits installations from the Fabriano Paper Pavilion, including artwork from Maria Pina Bentivenga and Gianna Bentivenga – especially curated by printmaker Umberto Giovannini. Speak with the book authors, exhibition curator and artists involved at 6pm. Book now.

Chaired by David Nicholls, Deputy Editor of House & Garden, Chris Cox will be joined by three industry experts: Adam Hills (Retrouvius), Sarah Myerscough (Sarah Myerscough Gallery) and interior designer Victoria Davar (Maison Artefact). The event guarantees to provide a fascinating insight into how design is created, curated and presented in interiors, by some of our leading exponents of craft. Book now.

From 7pm, join entrepreneur and founder of Not On The High Street, Holly Tucker MBE, in conversation with Studio Pottery London artistic director Gregory Tingay and studio director Lucy Attwood as they discuss how to turn passion into profit. Book now.

ISHKAR presents an exhibition and afternoon 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. Book now.

 

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Image: British Museum

Friday 13 May

 

Rolls-Royce’s artisans offer a rare insight into the world of the leading luxury marque via a LinkedIn stream at 1pm. During the session, the artisans share the design process, influences and inspiration behind their creations. Find out more.

At 1pm, join Nancy Johnston, Tengri’s CEO and founder, and Campbell Carey, Huntsman head cutter and creative director, for an intriguing conversation about cuts and rare cloth, charting a journey from the steppes of Mongolia to Savile Row. Book now.

The V&A welcomes three glass artists for this inspirational panel discussion. Hear from Anthony Amoako-Attah, Laura Quinn and James Maskrey as they showcase their work before discussing their inspiration and processes with V&A senior curator Reino Liefkes. Book now.

At 5.30pm, Mary-Ann Ochota chairs an expert panel at The British Museum celebrating the goldsmiths of the Stonehenge era and the beautiful objects they created. Book now.

From 6 to 7.30pm at Morley College, accomplished fashion designers and founders of À La Disposition, Lynda and Daniel Kinne, explore the wonder of Venice Carnival with their talk ‘Crafting the Past: Costuming for Venice Carnival’. Book now.

 

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Image: Royal Pahang Weave Foundation

Saturday 14 May

 

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. Join Her Majesty at 12pm for a roundtable discussion exploring this ancient craft. Book now.

At Studio Voltaire at 2pm, designer James Shaw will be joined in conversation by London-based writer and curator specialising in graphic design, Emily King. James discusses how his work offers a new way of thinking about the creation of objects and the resources around us, confronting the notion of ‘waste’ to develop new, beautiful materials. Book now.

From 2pm, visit City & Guilds of London Art School for a free talk and tasting with Fabal Lager in the Courtyard. Book now.

 

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Image: Vigour + Skills

Throughout the Week

 

From Monday 9 to Saturday 14 May, Vigour + Skills is hosting a series of talks during London Craft Week with their community of makers in ceramics, leather, jewellery and rush weaving and journalists including Ginnie Chadwyck Healey and Jessica Bumpus. Find out more.

Artefact is a contemporary craft fair at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour. Broadening specialist knowledge, the ‘Conversations in Craft’ programme offers insider insights from the craft industry’s leading lights. Featuring renowned experts, from gallerists to makers and curators, and chaired by writer and ‘Material Matters’ podcaster Grant Gibson, it delves deeper into the world of contemporary craft. Book now.

Over the weekend, the Art Workers’ Guild will showcase the wide range of craft disciplines represented by their members with a series of talks providing insights into the specialist skills involved in print-making, leatherwork, intricate small-scale textiles, ceramics, jewellery and much more. Book now.

Second Floor Studios & Arts invites everyone to come to the Deptford Foundry on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 May to take part in the highlight of their annual programming – Open Studios weekend. Meet and celebrate SFSA’s membership at varying stages of their careers with talks running throughout the weekend. Book now.

 

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Featured Image courtesy of Sotheby’s Institute of Art.

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We are pleased to announce that dunhill, a brand driven by innovation and style, is supporting us for the fourth year as a Headline Sponsor of London Craft Week.

dunhill is a British luxury menswear House founded in London in 1893 by Alfred Dunhill. Today, dunhill maintains their founding values of creativity and craftsmanship, with a complete offering for men that includes ready-to-wear and accessories alongside The White Spot, a division that creates some of the finest pipes available on the market.

As part of London Craft Week, dunhill presents an exhibition and series of demonstrations showcasing its longstanding heritage of design and innovation. Discover the events below and find out more on our Featured Projects page.

 

The Craft of dunhill
Tues 10 – Fri 13 May, various times

 

Born in Mayfair, dunhill has always had a unique perspective on London, of its archetypes and iconography. The House values tradition, taking inspiration from a rich archive whilst considering the needs of today’s man, with craft and engineered elegance at the forefront.

During London Craft Week, join dunhill’s specialist team across bespoke leather, tailoring and The White Spot pipes, for an intimate look at the finest craftsmanship hosted at dunhill House, the iconic men’s retail and lifestyle destination in Mayfair. Book now.

On Wednesday 11 May, enjoy a curated exhibition of contemporary dunhill creations, alongside the items that inspired them from the historic dunhill archive. From the suits made for American music and literary icons Frank Sinatra and Truman Capote to innovative looks from Creative Director Mark Weston’s most recent collections, explore the collision of modernity and tradition synonymous with the House. Book now.

 

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Featured image courtesy dunhill

We are proud to be supported this year for the second time by Headline Sponsor Serapian, the iconic leather brand synonymous with excellence in craftsmanship and elegant Milanese design.

The Maison was founded in 1928 by Stefano Serapian and since then, Serapian’s creations for both men and women have attracted a loyal following of discerning connoisseurs. Balancing tradition and innovation, Serapian is world-renowned for its Mosaico craft, refined tonal palette and soft geometric shapes.

As part of London Craft Week, Serapian presents an exhibition at the beautiful Buccellati boutique on Albemarle Street in Mayfair, giving guests an opportunity to understand first-hand the craftsmanship and excellence behind the Maison. Explore the event below and find out more on our Featured Projects page.

 

Crafting the Elements
Mon 9–Sat 14 May, 11am–6pm

 

When Stefano Serapian brought Mosaico to life in 1947, he created a specialty so unique that it would become one of the Maison’s hallmarks. Delicate strips of lamb nappa are meticulously hand woven together by Serapian’s skilled artisans to create a geometric, hypnotic effect influenced by Byzantine mosaics and Japanese origami.

From the fluidity of Mosaico nappa, to the softness of cachemire leather and the shine of mother of pearl, Serapian pays tribute to the exquisite materials it carefully selects to craft its elegant creations. During London Craft Week, guests will be welcomed to Serapian’s oneiric Milanese secret garden in the heart of Buccellati’s boutique, where the Maison will display a selection of crafted objects and outstanding Made in Italy leather goods alongside design pieces curated by Milanese set designer Valentina Cameranesi. Explore ceramics from Milesi and iconic furniture from Azucena, beautifully blended with contemporary flower installations by Worm London Flower Studio. Finally, as is Serapian tradition, a Master Artisan will demonstrate live the art of Mosaico, the signature craft of the Maison. Find out more.

 

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Featured image courtesy Serapian

London Craft Week is delighted to be supported for the first time this year by Headline Sponsor Delvaux. Founded in Brussels in 1829, Delvaux is the oldest fine leather luxury goods house in history and is the inventor of the modern handbag, having filed the first-ever leather handbag patent in 1908.

Delvaux’s emblematic designs are hand-crafted in the Maison’s ateliers in Belgium and France, bringing together celebrated Belgian cultural references and values.

For London Craft Week, Delvaux invites visitors to its prestigious London flagship on New Bond Street to discover their savoir-faire, storytelling, and uncompromising craftsmanship. Explore Delvaux’s events below and find out more on our Featured Projects page.

 

Anatomy of a Bag
Mon 9–Sat 14 May, 10am–6pm

 

In the hands of their highly skilled leather artisans, Delvaux bags become genuine works of art.

For London Craft Week, Delvaux presents the ‘Anatomy of a Bag’ in its London flagship on New Bond Street. In this visually rich display, discover the many carefully crafted components used in the creation of their emblematic bags, on show throughout the festival. Find out more.

 

Savoir-Faire Workshop
Thurs 12–Sat 14 May, 11am–1pm and 2pm–6pm

 

Delvaux has a long and rich history; more than 3,000 handbag designs have been created since 1829. To this day, every new creation continues to be described, sketched and catalogued in Delvaux’s Golden Book, the “Livre d’Or”.

Discover how traditional craftsmanship and innovation is at the heart of everything Delvaux produces in an exclusive workshop with the Maison’s artisans, who will handcraft Delvaux’s most emblematic bag, the Brillant, created in 1958. Find out more.

 

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Featured image courtesy Delvaux

Discover unsung hero makers, artists and designers alongside world-famous names, on a journey east to west across south London.

Start on Greenwich Peninsula, where artist Joy Yamusangie has created an immersive jazz club at NOW Gallery, interrogating constructs around identity and celebrating self-expression. Follow the river to Deptford, to Second Floor Studios & Arts‘ Deptford Foundry Open Studios. Meet and celebrate SFSA’s membership, who are showcasing their work across a variety of visual arts disciplines.

 

Image: Double Blues Bass by Joy Yamusangie

 

At Bargehouse on the South Bank, Oxo Tower Wharf, Future Icons and Design-Nation partner to bring back ‘The Future of Craft’, a showcase of thoughtfully selected work made by designers and craftspeople working around Britain. While you’re at Oxo Tower, pop by wagumi, who are offering workshops on the traditional Japanese art of Kintsugi with practitioner Iku Nishikawa.

 

Image: The Soft Collective

 

Head further south to The Department Store in Brixton and visit ‘Soft Dialogue’, an exhibition of collectible art and design pieces by a group of 10 emerging international textile artists, makers and researchers. Less than 30 minutes away is Studio Voltaire, who are hosting a discussion with designer James Shaw on Saturday 14 May, exploring how he confronts the notion of ‘waste’ to develop new, beautiful materials.

To see the full list of LCW 2022 events, visit our Programme page.

Featured image courtesy Design-Nation, Future of Craft

Through a programme of exhibitions, workshops and demonstrations, explore one of London’s most historic and vibrant creative communities.

Celebrating the history of craftsmanship and championing heritage crafts in the city, The Royal Exchange is hosting a Makers’ Market featuring a diverse selection of craftspeople working across cordwaining, enamelling, leatherworking and millinery.

 

Image: Sabina Savage

 

Further east at Old Spitalfields Market, artist Nicholas Hughes pays tribute to the Huguenot heritage of the area with a block-printing workshop, and illustrator and print designer Sabina Savage discusses her creative process, from storytelling to placement print.

In Shoreditch, Studio Furthermore presents a new and unseen collection of Space Lava vases made of lost foam aluminium at ONEROOM Gallery, while House of Hackney and ceramics artist Freya Bramble-Carter join up to host an intimate hand-sculpting workshop inspired by a joint muse: Mother Nature.

 

Image: Studio Furthermore

 

Finish by heading north to Hatton Garden, London’s historic jewellery district at the intersection of heritage and innovation. Pop by The Museum of Alighieri to discover the hand behind each of their modern heirlooms, or witness the two age-old crafts of engraving and tattooing, brought together during an evening of live demonstrations at Rebus.

To see the full list of LCW 2022 events, visit our Programme page.

Featured image courtesy Freya Bramble-Carter

In north London, explore how the movement towards sustainability has made craft increasingly relevant, with a growing focus on handcrafted pieces, slow processes, and thoughtful uses of materials.

 

Image: Circulose® by Renewcell

 

Rejoining LCW as Innovation Partner for 2022, The Mills Fabrica will showcase a new generation of emerging makers and brands that are driving sustainable forms of creating. Explore their programme of workshops and demonstrations, and don’t miss a talk on Pioneering Innovation in Making with Dezeen, biomaterial innovation company Modern Synthesis and Renewcell, creators of Circulose®, a new natural material closing the loop on fashion.

 

Image: Tom Dixon

 

A short walk away in Coal Drops Yard, the focus on material innovation continues at Tom Dixon, who invite visitors to discover Tom’s latest experiments, innovations and collaborations. Elsewhere, find out how technology is shaping the future of the fashion industry in an interactive workshop hosted by The Fabricant at Central Saint Martins, and learn about the design process of textile artist Maria Sigma, who specialises in ‘zero waste’ design, and is hosting live demonstrations in COS throughout the week.

To see the full list of LCW 2022 events, visit our Programme page.

Featured image The Mills Fabrica, photo by Dan Weill

Pimlico and Chelsea are neighbourhoods rich in creativity and artisanal making across design and interiors.

The ‘Pimlico Road Series’ in Belgravia will feature world-class craftspeople, artisans, makers, designers and high-end interior design brands including Bonadea, Carl Hansen & Son, Ochre, Robert Kime, PINCH, Robertaebasta London, Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler, Soane Britain, Collier Webb, Cox London, de Le Cuona, Daylesford, Chelsea Textiles and 88 Gallery.

 

Image: Margo Selby

 

In Chelsea, as part of the Artisan Chelsea series, Smythson exhibits artwork in partnership with textile artist Lora Avedian and Sarabande Studios take over Soho Home’s flagship store on the King’s Road, where paper artist Alice von Maltzahn and embroiderer Aurora Pettinari-York will be in residence during the week. Further up the King’s Road, Anthropologie partners with Molly Mahon, ‘The Modern Block Printer’, whose eclectic homewares, lighting, fabrics and wallpaper are available to shop in store.

 

Image: Artefact at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour

 

From here, it’s a half hour walk to Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, where you can visit the second edition of contemporary craft fair Artefact. You can also explore the new showroom of Cole & Son to see how the wallpaper company’s epic, enchanted garden panels were brought to life through exquisite hand-drawn and hand-painted artworks. Round off the trip with a visit to Tom Faulkner on Lots Road to view an exhibition of works by FIVE – a new silver and metal collective creating contemporary sculpture and objects for the home.

To see the full list of LCW 2022 events, visit our Programme page.

Featured image courtesy Robert Kime

Take a journey through St James’s London, one of the capital’s hidden gems, along Jermyn Street, the original home of menswear, to the elegant Princes Arcade with its boutiques that connect to Piccadilly.

 

Image: D.R. Harris & Co.

 

St James’s London presents a series of events as part of London Craft Week, in partnership with Rémy Martin, purveyors of the finest cognac. On Thursday 12 May, the elegant boutiques in Princes Arcade will open their doors for an exclusive evening reception, spotlighting the best of creativity and craftsmanship, while individual events will be hosted by John Lobb, D.R. Harris & Co. and Paxton & Whitfield throughout the week.

Make sure you pay a visit to Fortnum & Mason during the festival, who are celebrating the wealth of talent supported by the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) through a series of exhibitions charting the creation of a one-off ‘hamper’ of unique and extraordinary objects.

 

Image: John Smedley

 

Continuing the focus on exceptional skill and talent, John Smedley premieres the work of the inaugural John Smedley Craft Prize winner, Floris hosts fine jeweller Joséphine de Staël, and Santa Maria Novella take visitors behind the scenes of 800 years of Florentine craftsmanship with a series of fragrance masterclasses.

To see the full list of LCW 2022 events, visit our Programme page.

Featured image courtesy St. James’s London