‘It brings not only different disciplines, but different cultures together’ said fashion designer Hussein Chalayan during the opening of London Craft Week at the Victoria and Albert Museum last week. From Korea to Italy, fashion to ceramics, food to yachts, this genre-busting buzz spanned 200 events across the city, shining the spotlight on makers.
Now entering its third year, there was certainly a special buzz with the likes of Loewe, Smythson and Burberry all hosting interactive demonstrations on site during the week, while Edmund De Waal scooped the London Craft Week Medal. ‘Our rapid growth is a testament to the capital’s continued entrepreneurialism, diversity and openness to new ideas and visitors,’ noted London Craft Week chairman Guy Salter.
Innovative ceramics were on display at the Korean Cultural Centre exploring the connection between traditional and contemporary craft, from the tools used, through to modern porcelain pieces. Meanwhile at The New Craftsmen, young talent Leah Jensen experimented with a new technique of pinning and carving patterns to create geometric vessels.
‘Saw dust’ vessels, by Elliot Denny, for Simple Shape
In south London, British craftsmen including Sebastian Cox and Luke Hope came together to create the ultimate dinner setting at Simple Shape’s exhibition, while chef and food stylist Olivia Bennett crafted a ‘Stay Home’ menu to match the pieces. Other notable gastronomic events took place across town too: Aquavit hosted a Nordic dinner with Flow gallery, while Mark Hill presented mid-century Murano glassworks at Veneta.
Collaboration was the name of the game at London Craft Week. Over at The Hospital Club, the likes of Sebastian Herkner, Dimitri Bahler, and Raw-Edges all worked with a different artisan for the first time, exploring new making methods. Fresh artistic couplings were also on view in the windows at Harrods for its ‘Art Partners’ project. The partnerships spanned different crafts: interiors brand Visionnaire joined forces with designer Alessandro La Spada; bed specialists ViSpring teamed up with fashion brand Missoni; and fashion designer Elie Saab paired up with The Rug Company.
Multiple talks also took place around town including one at Café Royal where our very own design editor Rosa Bertoli sat down with Lee Broom to discuss the connection between designing and making.
Vitra installed hand-painted, life-sized Alexandra Girard dolls at its space in Selfridges
Italian brand Visionnaire joined forces with Alessandro La Spada for a limited-edition capsule collection, displayed as part of the 'Art Partners' project in Harrods' famous store windows. The console, mirror and stool were inspired by ancient Sicilian kitchens from the designer's childhood
Leah Jensen showcased an innovative set of ceramics at The New Craftsmen, using an interesting pinning technique to create geometric patterns
Simple Shape hosted an intimate dinner, dishing up a menu conceived by chef Olivia Bennett on new designs by Sebastian Cox and Luke Hope
Left, Southwark Cathedral hosted a dry stone walling course. Right, St James' pavilion offered up a selection events including Serge Amoruso’s leather craft workshops and Samuel Gassmann’s cufflink making
At The Hospital Club, the exhibition 'Doppia Firma' united contemporary designers with artisans. Pictured, 'Bubble Dressoir' console by Lex Pott and Emanuele Rivadossi; 'Mandorlato' screens by Feederico Pepe and Marta Cucchia; and 'The Unknown Planets' tables by Felix Mahrhofer and Fabrizio Trevisanutto
At SEEDS gallery, Chi Wing Lo and Elain Yan Ling Ng showcased their latest collection
In celebration of Korean culture and lifestyle, The Arumjigi Culture Keepers travelled to London for the first time, hosting an exhibition of organic vessels and table settings
INFORMATION
For more information, visit the London Craft Week website
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