I'm always excited to go to design/craft/fairs/shows/exhibitions and seek both inspiration and confirmation of current trends and interest within the design world. So off I went to MADE LONDON – Bloomsbury which is a new spring craft and design fair showing over 100 designer makers in a really unusual and wonderful building. The brochure states that 'This is a stripped back, pared down, table top selling
event, enabling the quality and diversity of the designer / makers’ work
to be simply and honestly showcased in a beautiful and characterful
setting' and it is exactly that.
I was fascinated to learn that the building itself (Mary Ward House) is a grade one listed arts and craft ‘settlement’ (where rich Edwardians went to live with London’s poor to provide legal advice, education classes, and opportunities for arts and physical fitness). The artists work was displayed in a number of stunning rooms including the old gymnasium, theatre, drawing room, library, dining rooms and classrooms.
Going back to the Fair itself, ceramics have certainly made a big resurgence recently and caught up with other creative disciplines in terms of both innovation and desirability. It was good to see such a diverse range within one medium and be excited by what was on offer.
Textures were also a key part of the show with lots of tactile goodies on display, presented in a wide range of materials. This also meant that I wanted to touch everything which may not have been what the exhibitors wanted (I was very careful!).
I've listed my top10 favourite things at the show below and you'll see that ceramics and textures certainly play a large part.
1. Sarah Grove's porcelain pieces are wonderful and come in a range of textures that are very eye-catching and you just want to touch! www.sarahgrove.co.uk
2. Amy Cooper's fabulous ceramic organic forms are beautiful and have most definitely been added my wish list. www.amycooperceramics.co.uk
3. These funky teapots certainly add a bit of fun to the idea of the traditional English teapot. www.ikukoiwamoto.com
4. Louise Hall's fun porcelain hanging vases add a new twist. www.louisehallceramics.com
5.These gorgeous cut crystal 'milk bottles' turn an everyday item into something beautiful and precious. I first saw them at the SouthBank shop and still love them. www.samanthasweet.com
6. Delicious organic ceramic sculptures by Wallflower, they are crying out to be touched! www.wallflower.london
8. This rather marvellous chair was on display, William Self invited me to take a seat and I have to say it was suprisingly comfortable even with my skinny rear! Apparently it is made with a combination of computer aided manufacture and good old fashioned elbow grease to get that lovely finish on the smooth undulations.www.williamself.co.uk
9. This necklace is from Sarah Lindsay's 'Dust Collection' which is made from acrylic particle slices www.sarahlindsay.info
10. This striking brooch is made by Emily Kidson and I would urge you to watch her fabulous film on her brooch making process at http://emilykidson.com/about/film/ . A lot of work goes into making this little beauty that's for sure! www.emilykidson.com
So there you have it, my top 10. Gorgeous stuff which is very inspirational too, talking of which, I really need to knuckle down and do some making of my own............watch this space!
I was fascinated to learn that the building itself (Mary Ward House) is a grade one listed arts and craft ‘settlement’ (where rich Edwardians went to live with London’s poor to provide legal advice, education classes, and opportunities for arts and physical fitness). The artists work was displayed in a number of stunning rooms including the old gymnasium, theatre, drawing room, library, dining rooms and classrooms.
Going back to the Fair itself, ceramics have certainly made a big resurgence recently and caught up with other creative disciplines in terms of both innovation and desirability. It was good to see such a diverse range within one medium and be excited by what was on offer.
Textures were also a key part of the show with lots of tactile goodies on display, presented in a wide range of materials. This also meant that I wanted to touch everything which may not have been what the exhibitors wanted (I was very careful!).
I've listed my top10 favourite things at the show below and you'll see that ceramics and textures certainly play a large part.
1. Sarah Grove's porcelain pieces are wonderful and come in a range of textures that are very eye-catching and you just want to touch! www.sarahgrove.co.uk
2. Amy Cooper's fabulous ceramic organic forms are beautiful and have most definitely been added my wish list. www.amycooperceramics.co.uk
3. These funky teapots certainly add a bit of fun to the idea of the traditional English teapot. www.ikukoiwamoto.com
4. Louise Hall's fun porcelain hanging vases add a new twist. www.louisehallceramics.com
5.These gorgeous cut crystal 'milk bottles' turn an everyday item into something beautiful and precious. I first saw them at the SouthBank shop and still love them. www.samanthasweet.com
6. Delicious organic ceramic sculptures by Wallflower, they are crying out to be touched! www.wallflower.london
7. I also loved Claire Lowe's resin and tea jewellery, anyone for a cuppa?! www.clairelowe.co.uk
8. This rather marvellous chair was on display, William Self invited me to take a seat and I have to say it was suprisingly comfortable even with my skinny rear! Apparently it is made with a combination of computer aided manufacture and good old fashioned elbow grease to get that lovely finish on the smooth undulations.www.williamself.co.uk
9. This necklace is from Sarah Lindsay's 'Dust Collection' which is made from acrylic particle slices www.sarahlindsay.info
So there you have it, my top 10. Gorgeous stuff which is very inspirational too, talking of which, I really need to knuckle down and do some making of my own............watch this space!
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