London Craft Week: Discover makers, designers and artists
Over 100 of the UK's top talents are opening their studios for tours and masterclasses for a behind-the-scenes glimpse at their work
Ever fancied trying your hand at tailoring, discovering the design secrets behind the UK's most iconic brands or taking a behind-the-scenes tour of some of the capital's exclusive ateliers? From big names to up-and-coming artisans, across five days in May, London Craft Week will bring together one-off workshops, talks and demonstrations that give an insight into the country's top creative minds.
'Many of us are fed up with a diet of unremarkable products in similar shopping streets. Too often, marketing seems to predominate, at the expense of quality and the human. Hence a renaissance in the interest of what makes the difference between good and outstanding,' says Guy Salter OBE MVO, chairman of London Craft Week. 'The good news is that there are plenty of examples out there. The bad news is that it is dispersed far and wide. And many of the best can’t afford big city rents. London Craft Week aims to gather together this exceptional talent in one place for one week a year. The unknown and celebrated side by side, united by a dedication to craftsmanship and creativity.'
One of the most wide-ranging festivals of its kind, covering 55 different artistic disciplines, it takes in the worlds of style, art, food, design and more in a series of special events taking place in some of London's leading cultural institutions and high-profile venues, from the V&A and RADA to Michelin-starred restaurants. Its roster of featured makers is equally diverse; speakers such as fashion's Hussein Chalayan, Mary Katrantzou and blogger Susie Bubble sit alongside artist Grayson Perry, a bespoke designer for Rolls-Royce and David Snowden of English furniture makers Linley.
Hand-on sessions include a horology masterclass from the event's founding partner Vacheron Constantin, wallet making with leather specialists Ettinger and a chocolate workshop with R Chocolates. This year, the week is also shining a spotlight on Scottish talent, hosting a showcase from Craft Scotland including works from furniture maker Angus Ross, jewellery designer Jennifer Gray and knitwear from Bamford.
London Craft Week takes place from 3 to 7 May in various locations across London, events are individually ticketed; londoncraftweek.com
