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Festival of Crafts

Welcome to festival of crafts, our autumn showcase of the UK's finest craft makers and designers. Enjoy an immersive weekend of shopping, demonstrations, bookable workshops, talks, and drop-in activities. Celebrating its 29th year, this annual two-day event features a curated selection of handmade crafts across all media, including homewares, jewellery, ceramics, stationery, accessories, furniture, lighting, textiles and print. Part of Farnham Craft Month, the festival offers a relaxed environment for visitors to browse, meet, and buy directly from the makers. farnhammaltings.com

Crafts Council host FREE online expert discussions

Crafts Council host fortnightly expert discussions The Crafts Council have announced the launch of a series of online discussions which will cover funding, legal advice, e-commerce and website optimisation. The events will be free online discussions with industry experts to support craft businesses. For more information and to book www.eventbrite.co.uk

Crafts Council release guidance notes on US Tariffs for makers

The Crafts Council have released guidance notes on US Tariffs for makers. In a updated April release, the Crafts Council have released a downloadable PDF to give makers guidance on exporting to America with the new imposition of tariffs. To read the report click here. Author: Published:

PRESS RELEASE: Craft skills remain under threat with 20 new additions to the UK’s Red List of Endangered Crafts

A stark warning has been issued for the future of traditional craft skills in the UK, as new research by Heritage Crafts has identified 20 more crafts at risk of vanishing from the UK, in the latest major update of its pioneering project – the Red List of Endangered Crafts – published today. The new additions join a list of 165 at-risk crafts now listed in the report. Heritage Crafts’ research, which has been funded by The Pilgrim Trust with additional sponsorship from The Royal Mint, has found that rising operational costs, a lack of structured training, and mounting market

UK Jewellery, Silverware and Allied Crafts sector meet with MP

On Thursday the 8th February Benchpeg was privileged and honoured to attend, with 23 other senior leaders representing the UK Jewellery, Silverware and Allied Crafts sector, a roundtable discussion with meeting Sir Chris Bryant MP, Shadow Minister for the DCMS (Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport) who was on a fact finding mission to learn more about our sector. Facilitated by The National Association of Jewellers, and ably Chaired by CEO Ben Massey, the 24 seats around the table demonstrated the myriad of specialisms which the sector is made up of. Selected individuals gave presentations to Mr Bryant MP

UK Jewellery, Silverware and Allied Crafts Industry Roundtable 3rd Meeting

At the third meeting of the UK Jewellery, Silverware & Allied Crafts Industry Roundtable with esteemed colleagues from all facets of the sector there was a full agenda for the 3.45 hour in-person meeting held in the Court Room at Goldsmiths’ Hall. Chaired by Adam Jacobs, Chair, National Association of Jewellers & facilitated by Ben Massey, CEO of the National Association of Jewellers with Annie Warburton, CEO of The Goldsmiths Company hosting, attendees included: Isabel Rhodes, Houlden Group; Janet Weller, Institute of Professional Goldsmiths; Sally Dodson, Hand Engraving Association; Patrick Turner, Company of Master Jewellers; Andrew Hinds, F Hinds; John

PRESS RELEASE: UK Jewellery, Silverware and Allied Crafts Welcome Focus on Skills Pathways in Response to DfE Post-16 Consultation

The UK Jewellery, Silverware and Allied Crafts (UKJSAC) has submitted a formal response to the Department for Education’s Post-16 Level 3 and Below Pathways consultation, welcoming the opportunity to shape future education routes while underlining the need for pathways that genuinely support specialist creative and craft industries. Drawing on input from employers, skills experts and training providers across the sector, UKJSAC’s response supports the principle of new Level 2 and Level 3 pathways, while stressing that their design must be rooted in close collaboration with industry. For jewellery, silverware and allied crafts, the priority is building a clear and credible

PRESS RELEASE: UK Jewellery, Silverware and Allied Crafts Unite to Call for Urgent Government Action in Small Business Inquiry

The UK Jewellery, Silverware and Allied Crafts (UKJSAC) Roundtable Group has submitted a comprehensive sector response to the Government’s Small Business Inquiry, urging Ministers to take bold and targeted action to address the structural barriers facing the UK’s small and micro-businesses. The submission represents the collective voice of creative and craft-led industries, which span jewellery, silverware, watches, allied crafts, and associated independent retail sectors – sectors that are overwhelmingly comprised of microbusinesses and family-run firms. The response highlights how systemic challenges are undermining business viability, stifling entrepreneurship, and threatening growth. Key barriers identified include: A broken High Street model driven

Jewellery & Watch Database hits a record £3billion

The secure online jewellery and watch database e-Register celebrates a record £3billion worth of items registered, incidentally coinciding with its 30th Anniversary. e-Register was launched back in 1994, where it was built to protect and recover jewellery, watches and silverware items. Created by The Guild of Valuers & Jewellers as a complimentary database to their innovative valuation software, GuildPro. The e-Register database now holds in excess of £3billion worth of items with over 350,000 customers protected. The secure online database centrally stores Guild Valuations; allowing Insurers, brokers and underwriters to view their client’s valuation portfolio before setting a premium or

Lindsey Mann - Contemporary Jewellery

Lindsey Mann - Contemporary Jewellery 17 March - 10 May 2020 Craft in the Bay, Cardiff Drawing inspiration from themes of collecting memories Lindsey creates playful jewellery which might explore a fleeting moment, a chance encounter or a material souvenir charged with meaning. Referencing shape, form, colour and pattern to realise each piece of jewellery she hopes to create something which has both familiar and yet foreign associations, perhaps triggering a vague memory for the viewer too and hopefully raising a smile! Working from her studio in rural Wiltshire, Lindsey constructs jewellery using hand-printed anodised aluminium, precious and non-precious metals

Winter Jewels 2025

Winter Jewels 2025 26th November – 5th January 2025 Romsey, Hampshire Winter Jewels – discover the finest in contemporary jewellery design this winter. Returning for its annual showcase, the Winter Jewels Exhibition by ACJ Wessex transforms the stunning Sir Harold Hillier Gardens into a celebration of craftsmanship and creativity. Featuring over 25 independent designer-makers from Hampshire, Dorset, and Wiltshire, this curated selling exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore and purchase handmade jewellery from some of the region’s most talented artisans. Each jeweller is represented in their own cabinet, presenting a diverse range of styles, materials, and techniques - from

PRESS RELEASE: The Goldsmiths' Company and the Goldsmiths’ Centre call on government, industry, and educators to collaborate to revitalise the silver allied trades for future generations

Heritage Crafts has added the silver allied trades to its Red List of Endangered Crafts for the first time Heritage Crafts has added the silver allied trades to its Red List of Endangered Crafts for the first time. A 68% drop in Design & Technology GCSE entries over the past decade has contributed to a shortage of skilled workers, leaving UK businesses struggling to recruit and train craftspeople. Vital trades that support national heritage and economic identity could disappear. The Goldsmiths’ Company and Goldsmiths’ Centre are urging government, industry, and educators to collaborate on funding, training pathways, apprenticeships, and public

PRESS RELEASE: Expert Panel at Jewellery and Gem WORLD Hong Kong Upholds the Platinum Advantage Amid Global Surge in Demand

A distinguished international panel of jewellery experts highlighted platinum’s present and distinct advantages of price and technical brilliance at Jewellery & Gem WORLD Hong Kong 2025. Presented by Platinum Guild International (PGI) on Friday, 19 September 2025 as part of the prestigious five-day trade show, the event advocated capitalising on platinum’s strong business potential as the cost of gold soars and innovation opens new avenues for expansion into emerging markets and varied product lines. A significant price differential with gold is fuelling the growing global demand for platinum. However, as the panel speakers affirmed, this is far from platinum’s sole

PRESS RELEASE: PGI Initiatives at Jewellery and Gem WORLD Hong Kong Spotlight Platinum as Priority Metal for Brighter Future

Platinum Guild International (PGI) pinpoints a shining new era of platinum jewellery opportunities at Jewellery & Gem WORLD Hong Kong 2025, particularly in light of the soaring price of gold. A trio of initiatives staged at Hong Kong’s influential annual jewellery trade show, headlined by a panel discussion uniting platinum jewellery experts from three continents, will advocate platinum’s strong incremental business potential. Held from 17-21 September 2025 at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre and attracting the industry’s global decision-makers, the fair will also be enriched by a precious metal exhibition spotlighting platinum and PGI’s inviting Platinum Pavilion .

PRESS RELEASE: Global Platinum Jewellery Market Rebounds, Driven by Surging Demand in China and Resilience in Key Markets

PGI Reports Strong Q1 2025 Growth Across China, India, Japan, the US & the UAE Platinum Guild International (PGI) , a worldwide marketing organisation dedicated to creating, expanding and strengthening consumer and trade markets for platinum jewellery, has today shared its findings from its Platinum Jewellery Business Review update for Q1 2025, highlighting strong growth across key global markets, led by a significant recovery in China. Platinum jewellery is seeing renewed global momentum, with China leading the recovery in Q1 2025 as consumer preferences continue to shift away from gold. PGI’s Q1 update also highlights robust growth in platinum fabrication,

PRESS RELEASE: Platinum Jewellery Sales Sustained Growth in Key Markets in Q2 2025

Platinum benefits from record gold prices as product conversion from white gold continues. The global platinum jewellery market saw growth across key regions in Q2 2025, according to the latest Platinum Jewellery Business Review . Consumers in key markets are finding greater value in platinum as gold prices continue to reach new highs, and retailers are increasingly turning to platinum. Platinum Guild International (PGI)’s CEO, Tim, stated, “Despite economic headwinds, platinum jewellery demonstrates enduring value and resilience, and we are committed to supporting our partners in major markets through collaborations and focused promotions to reinforce platinum’s unique appeal with consumers seeking quality and

The Association for the Study of Jewelry & Related Arts Virtual Lecture: The Art of Gaman

The Association for the Study of Jewelry & Related Arts (ASJRA) has announced it will offer a virtual lecture on Thursday, March 2 at 7 p.m. ET (12am UK time) on The Art of Gaman. The lecture will be given by Delphine Hirasuna, the curator of the exhibition The Art of Gaman: Arts and Crafts from the Japanese American Internment Camps, 1942-1946 which was mounted at ten venues in the USA and five venues in Japan. She is also the author of the book of the same title. The Art of Gaman showcased arts and crafts made by Japanese Americans

CONTEMPORANIA Barcelona High Craftsmanship

CONTEMPORANIA Barcelona High Craftsmanship 02.03.04 OCTOBER 2025 Palau Pedralbes - Barcelona Tickets: www.eventbrite.e The International Biennial of Contemporary High Craftsmanship returns from 2 to 4 October at the Palau de Pedralbes. With the support of the Department of Business and Labour of the Generalitat de Catalunya, through the Consortium of Commerce, Crafts and Fashion (CCAM), CONTEMPORANIA Barcelona reaffirms its commitment to excellence, innovation and sustainability and for 3 days will present the proposals of more than 150 artisans from around the world The International Biennial of High Contemporary Crafts returns from 2 to 4 October at the Pedralbes

'The Market for Craft' research report published

The Crafts Council and a national partnership of 8 organisations, Arts Council of Wales , Contemporary Visual Arts Network , Craft Northern Ireland , Craft Scotland , Crafts Council, Creative Scotland , Creative United , The Goldsmiths’ Company , Great Northern Events/Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair , have launched the first report into the consumer market for British craft in over a decade. The main finding that craft sales exceeded £3 billion in 2019 in the Market for Craft Report . The first report to identify and gauge appetite for British craft for over a decade reveals our passion for

PRESS RELEASE: Collect 2026

The leading annual art fair dedicated to contemporary, museum-quality craft and design brings together 40 specialist international exhibitors Collect, the leading international art fair for contemporary, museum-quality craft and design, returns to Somerset House for its 22nd edition from 27 February to 01 March 2026, with previews taking place 25 February and 26 February. The fair, presented by Crafts Council, will bring together 40 specialist galleries and arts organisations from across the globe, including 14 new exhibitors in 2026. This is the first iteration under the leadership of new Fair Director TF Chan, and sees a notable presence of collectible

'Jewellery Oscars' GCDC Awards Exhibition

Jewellery Oscars GCDC Awards Exhibition 2024 Goldsmiths' Hall, London Tuesday 5 to Friday 8 March 2024 Following the Awards Ceremony next Monday, the exhibition will be open to the public from 5th – 8th March between 10am and 5pm in the magnificent Goldsmiths’ Hall, Foster Lane, London EC2V 6BN. Don’t miss the first opportunity to see the incredible award-winning work from the 2024 Goldsmiths’ Craftsmanship & Design Awards! A unique chance to view the incredible hand crafted jewellery, silversmithing, allied crafts and objet d’art from emerging and established designers, makers and craftspeople. The GCDC team will be on hand for

QEST Northern Ireland Showcase Exhibition

QEST Northern Ireland Showcase Exhibition 1 February - 22 March 2024 Antrim QEST is delighted to be partnering with Craft NI to host our first physical event in Northern Ireland: an exhibition of works by QEST Alumni from the island of Ireland. The exhibition will be held in the Craft NI Gallery – Belfast’s only dedicated craft venue. Crafts on display will range from those familiar to Craft NI visitors – such as silversmithing and handloom weaving – to disciplines shown at the Gallery for the first time, including musical instrument making and wrought iron putter making. We look forward

Jonathan Burton appointed as CEO of Cockpit

Cockpit, London’s leading centre for contemporary craft, have announced that Jonathan Burton has been appointed as CEO. He replaces Annie Warburton, who stepped down in December 2023, and will assume his role at Cockpit in late April 2024. Immersed in the arts throughout his career, working across opera, fine art and crafts, Jonathan has a strong understanding of craft and making. His experience and engagement in the arts and culture sector is reflected in his marketing roles at Tate and at English National Opera, his eight years as Director of the London Art Fair and six years at London Craft

Pewter Live 2022

Pewter Live 2022 Pewterers' Hall, London 17 - 19 May 2022 The 34 Annual Design Competition Pewter Live returns to Pewterers’ Hall this year on 17 – 19 May for three days of workshops, exhibitions and competitions celebrating pewter crafts and design. Pewter Live 2022 is an influential annual event held in the heart of the City at Pewterers’ Hall, hosted by The Worshipful Company of Pewterers. The event showcases the innovative work of both established and emerging designers in the Open and Student competition, where shortlisted designs will be displayed, and winning creators celebrated on the final day of Pewter Live. The competition

Graduate Shows 2020

Jewellery and Silversmithing Graduate Shows 2020 In the absence of the ability to hold physical graduate shows for the 3d disciplines of jewellery, silversmithing and the allied crafts, many institutions are hosting events online, featuring work in online exhibition spaces. Truro & Penwith College Art An online exhibition this year, which is a fantastic opportunity to get an insight into the inspiring and varied Art & Design courses on offer across our campuses which range from fine art, silversmithing, product design, textiles, ceramics and more, and are open to all ages and abilities from part time leisure courses to degree

Collect 2026

27 February - 1 March 2026 Somerset House, London Collect, the leading international art fair for contemporary, museum-quality craft and design, returns to Somerset House for its 22nd edition from 27 February to 01 March 2026, with previews taking place 25 February and 26 February. The fair, presented by Crafts Council, will bring together 40 specialist galleries and arts organisations from across the globe, including 11 new exhibitors in 2026. This is the first iteration under the leadership of new Fair Director TF Chan, and sees a notable presence of collectible design and furniture alongside a diverse range of craft

QEST Scholar Exhibition at Fortnum & Mason

‘The Art of the Exceptional, a Jubilee Celebration of Makers’ 14th March – 19th June Third Floor, Fortnum & Mason To mark the anniversary of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, Fortnum & Mason have partnered with the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) to host four exhibitions in the heart of their flagship store in Piccadilly. From March to June, the exhibitions will celebrate the best of British creativity, crafts and making, and conclude with the creation of a one-off Jubilee hamper of artisan products made over the four months. The exhibition series ‘The Art of the Exceptional, a Jubilee Celebration of Makers’

Made in the Middle

Made in the Middle Midlands Art Centre 14 February – 12 April 2026 Made in the Middle touring exhibition will be at Midlands Art Centre from 14 February – 12 April 2026. The exhibition draws together 37 artists whose work highlights the innovative contemporary crafts being made in the Midlands today. The artists represent the region’s vibrant and diverse creative community and include both emerging talents and established names. The wide range of objects, materials, skills, processes and techniques on display provide inspiration for anyone interested in making, seeing or buying craft.

BeCraft exhibits at Eleven Steens

OBJECT SYNONYMS 24.02.2022 → 10.04.2022 The currents pass, evolve. Always, artists immerse themselves in what has been. They reformulate, look differently, offer a "what seems" but which is no longer – or which is, different. They rethink, recycle, divert, ennoble. This is where the power of contemporary applied arts lies. Bathed in the – distant – roots of the functional, the artists free themselves from it or draw inspiration from it to perfect the world, to question it, to challenge it. Through the diversity of materials, techniques, and the rich heritage of arts and crafts, it is a vast and constantly

Ralph Turner 1936 - 2017

We include an obituary on the esteemed and seminal writer, gallerist, exhibition curator and craft champion Ralph Turner who died on 29 September 2017. An important encouragement pioneer in the use of new thinking and materials in modern jewellery, Ralph Turner influenced an entire generation of jewellers, his legacy lives on. Taken as a whole Ralph Turner’s career was concerned with the enlightenment of Crafts practice and its audience however it is for his influence on jewellery, “The New Jewellery” that he will be most remembered. Having arrived as an actor in London in 1960 he was introduced to studio

British Craft Trade Fair 2021

The British Craft Trade Fair (BCTF) 2020 Yorkshire Event Centre, Harrogate 11 – 13 April 2021 For the past 45 years BCTF has showcased the best of British artisan crafts, including: Ceramics, Glassware, Metalwork, Jewellery, Textiles, Fashion Accessories, Greetings Cards, Stationery, Fine Art, Sculpture, Home Accessories, Tableware and more. As the demand for quality British-made product becomes a priority for UK shoppers, we offer the ideal sourcing environment for discerning retailers. BCTF takes place in April each year in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. The dates move around from year to year depending on when Easter falls, but in 2021 the dates

The Goldsmiths' Company appoints Annie Warburton as its new Clerk and CEO

Annie Warburton has been announced as the new Clerk and CEO of the Goldsmiths’ Company. Annie becomes the first female Clerk and CEO of the Goldsmiths’ Company in its 700 year history, she has more than 20 years’ experience in creative industries organisations that span the private, public and charity sectors. She will join the Goldsmith’s Company in January 2024. This week the Goldsmiths’ Company announced that Anne-Christina ( Annie ) Warburton, CEO of Cockpit Arts and former Creative Director of The Crafts Council, has been appointed Clerk and CEO of The Goldsmiths’ Company, starting in January 2024. With

London Craft Week 2023

London Craft Week 2020 8 - 14 May 2023 London Craft Week celebrates outstanding British and international creativity. Building on the success of last year’s first International Pavilions, London Craft Week 2023 presents its broadest international programme yet with four Pavilions and a whole host of global events taking place across the city. Through a rich programme of exhibitions, workshops, demonstrations and open studios, LCW 2023 delves deep into heritage crafts, classic designs and contemporary art from nations as diverse as Afghanistan, Hungary, Denmark and Korea. www.londoncraftweek.com Contact London Craft Week 78 Duke Street London W1K 6JQ info@londoncraftweek.com www.londoncraftweek.com