London Craft Week puts making on The World Stage over 5 days and 200 events

Back for its fourth edition on 9 May, London Craft Week opens the doors of makers’ workshops, invites the public into previously off-limits corners of the capital, and reveals the exquisite quality and staggering variety of modern craft practice – both here in the UK and internationally.

This year is its biggest, and most international event yet, bringing the world’s finest makers to London for a dynamic and interactive celebration of making in all its forms – from ceramics and fashion to watch-making 

and letterpress. Whether it’s an intimate hands-on workshop with a craftsman, an afternoon in a West End costume department, or a behind-the-scenes introduction to the crafted interiors of an iconic building, there’s something for every field of interest.

From the smallest off-the-beaten-track atelier to the storied livery halls of ancient makers’ guilds, the shop floors of luxury retailers to the Houses of Parliament, London Craft Week takes people on a journey of discovery into the capital’s most creative spaces.

Over the course of the week, a visitor might learn the intricacies of Swiss horology, British millinery and Danish ceramics; blend their own fragrances, print their own books and craft their own tableware; and hear the stories of crafted works and iconic luxury products direct from the mouths of their makers – but still only scratch the surface of what London Craft Week has to offer.

Chairman of London Craft Week, Guy Salter, OBE MVOc ommented:

"London Craft Week is a response to a renaissance in the appreciation of creativity and craft; to the role of hand, head, unique skills and true talent. It is another example of what, at its best, the world’s creative capital does so well – mixing glamour with cutting edge; heritage and contemporary and the commercial with the cultural."

Highlights

A highlight includes the opportunity to gain insider access to the world’s most prestigious luxury brands and fashion houses, with special events from the likes of Mulberry and Vivienne Westwood; a drinks reception to celebrate John Smedley’s newly commissioned artworks by artistic couple Robert Montgomery and Greta Bellamacin; and an in-store perfume-making workshop at Floris. Across three floors of Fortnum & Mason’s flagship store in Piccadilly, The Goldsmiths’ Company present an exhibition of exceptional contemporary jewellery art and silver. Meanwhile, visitors to Thomas Goode are invited to paint their own piece of Meissen porcelain.

Also Rebus will be opening their doors to give a behind the scenes peek at making their signature signet rings. A Journey Into Making will be part of the week from 9 - 13 May 2018.

Authenticity is at the heart of London Craft Week and the programme aims to attract a broad audience united in their appreciation of imagination, individuality, passion and skill. London Craft Week reflects a global trend, with increasingly discerning visitors searching out objects of beauty and substance against a flowering of craftsmanship worldwide. It bridges iconic heritage and contemporary brands as well as independent makers and allows them to tell their stories. Each year, with the city as its backdrop, the week-long event shines a spotlight on artists and makers and celebrates a golden age of creative talent.

"We aim to give our visitors as much choice as possible, so there is hopefully something for everyone. And we also want people to enjoy themselves. This year’s programme is designed as a journey of discovery –  a cultural experience in the broadest sense of the word – encompassing hidden workshops and great luxury houses, little-known regional producers and celebrated masters, and embracing food, drink and performance as a way of animating the core programme and showing the making that goes on behind the scenes in theatre, opera, ballet, film, TV and iconic buildings." added Guy Salter

londoncraftweek.com

Image credits:
Behind the scenes at Rebus, making their signature signet rings
Eleanor Lakelin at Cockpit Arts. Photo by Alun Callender.