London Craft Week in East London
East London has deep roots in the world of craft, thriving as a centre for London’s textile and furniture industries for centuries. Today its creative communities continue to flourish and we are pleased to invite you behind usually-closed doors to immerse yourself in their innovative work. Old Spitalfields Market celebrates its Huguenot heritage with a series of textiles events, a theme which continues across the East London programme. While many of these events are open to explore on a drop-in basis, we have also highlighted some that need to be booked in advance to secure your spot.
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
