As the end of 2011 comes closer we at Handmade in Britain would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thanks to everyone involved in this year’s events, from exhibitors and sponsors; to followers and fans, for participating and making 2011 a success, we couldn’t have done it without you.
We look forward to some wonderful things happening in 2012 but first we look back at some highlights from the year we have had.
Our first design book: Handmade in Britain – Appreciating contemporary Artisans
2011 has seen the launch of our first ever design book containing over 90 contemporary designer-makers from England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Working in a variety of materials from precious metals to clay, wood, and more, these artisans approach their work in a sustainable and eco-conscious way. Each designer-maker’s work is illustrated and accompanied by a short essay providing insight into how they work and what inspires them. With over 200 illustrations, Handmade in Britain is both a guide for people interested in buying handcrafted products as well as a resource for art and design students. Buy Now
2011 Show Talents
Zoe Hillyard, an exhibitor at our Bath show in June, was the designer everyone was talking about, her fabulous images were just so good we had to use them in our promotional materials and she quickly became one of the many stars of the show. “Handmade in Britain in Bath has proved to be a good launch pad. Much positive feedback from the public, some significant sales and a couple of exciting collaborations initiated. The assembly rooms made a beautiful venue and I was amongst lovely company.”Showing at both Bath and Chelsea, Nick Page’s work shone through as a stand out designer this year. One to watch for the future his work which incorporates his background in sculpture had many heads turning.
“Salvaged objects and materials have a history which gives them an inherent character right from the start. It always seems a pity to throw away something interesting or beautiful, just because it has broken or outlived it's original function. With a bit of imagination, much of what is headed for the landfill site can be turned into something new and desirable. It also means you are likely to end up with something unique and something of a talking point”
And not forgetting the lovely Deryn Relph, whose magnificently coloured textiles brightened up the cold autumnal days at Chelsea Old Town Hall. “I'm often asked how I choose the colours for a collection, or where my designs come from - so I thought I'd show you how my designs develop! I'm always collecting inspiring images, taking photographs and collecting bits and bobs. I've got some pinboards in my studio where I start putting ideas together. My current collection, 'Buttonbox' based on the button box that used to belong to my Nanna - so there's lots of memories and nostalgia in there too!”
Congratulations to all three and everyone else who had successes at our shows this year.
Handmade does YouTube
November 2011 saw the launch of the Handmade in Britain YouTube channel. Working in collaboration with Daniel Broom, we got some great footage of our Chelsea show in a video montage. Many of our exhibitors created videos for their own websites, in addition to interviews with Lee Ripley from Vivays Publishing at our book launch and our very own Creative Director Piyush Suri.
2012 Events
The first of our 2012 events will be the launch of London: A Celebration, at the celebrated Gallery@OXO in May. We are pleased to announce our new venue for a unique selling exhibition showcasing some of the talented British Designer-makers, each celebrating London in their own unique way.
“London being a big melting pot of culture is known for its diversity and sense of free expression which is a huge source of inspiration for many artists of different cultural backgrounds. The show prior to Queens Jubilee and Olympics will mark the beginning of the festive season and will bring together selected designer-makers showing their own take on London through their work which will be available to purchase or to commission.”
A return to Chelsea
Handmade in Britain will return to Chelsea next year for the sixth time. The show will exhibit talented designer makers from a wide variety of backgrounds, expect to see your favourite exhibitors along with new emerging young talent.
New for Chelsea 2012 we will be dedicating the stage area to new and graduate designers within their first two years of business. The area will be sponsored by outside business’ keen to help support fresh talent on their entry to the industry.
Have you been to our show before? What would you like added to the show? we are always looking to make each show bigger and better than the last, so comment; tweet; email in and let us know.
We would like to say another special think you to all the visitors of our shows, it is you that keeps British craft alive and this is something that we appreciate very much.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
from everyone at Handmade in Britain.
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