Spring Edition 2014 : Highlights

With our first ever Spring Edition done and dusted and the November show already twinkling on the horizon, we cast a look back at our highlights of our first ever spring showcase

Over three days Spring Edition encapsulated the very best of British Design and craftsmanship, from contemporary ceramics and the ancient art of marquetry to our new graduate showcase highlighting the finest new millinery designers from around the UK. 

After a fantastic few days of design we have had the opportunity to reflect on some of the highlights from Spring Edition 2014 and achievements of some of our best exhibitors, for whom commissions are rolling in and are busy developing work for our November showcase.

But the work doesn't stop for the designer-makers, this week sees fine jeweler and Spring Edition favourite, Kristjan Eyjolffson, presenting his design for an Iris Thor pin for the Chelsea Flower Show Gala Preview- hand crafted by Kristjan especially from recycled silver and sustainably sourced precious stones, and serving as an example of just one of the many successes achieved by this years exhibitors, a delight to see them succeeding in and beyond Spring Edition! Congratulations Kristjan!

Helen Chatterton's map-print scarves 

The Sunday Times' own Katrina Burroughs picked out the industrial beauty of Offkut's reclaimed and reworked furniture and lighting, as a personal highlight, and got us thinking about our own... from the best of British glass, textiles and metalwork, this was no mean feat!

An undeniable standout, the jewellery work of Jed Green draws interest in its ability to disarm the viewer. Appearing like stone constellations, sturdy and robust, her glass bangles and brooches recalling constellations, are in fact feather-light structures both wearable and distinct in style.

In our main hall we were lucky enough to have the presence of two of Scotland's very best jewellers and silver-smith's in the shared stand of Eileen Gatt and Gilly Langton, encapsulating both the essence of spring and the influences of their highland homes in their work.

The tranquil ceramics of Elizabeth Renton stood out amongst the crowds in their glazes of delicate greens and creams

In stark contrast the bold designs and bright printed silks of Taisir Gibreel brightened the Chelsea Old Town Hall with their geometric shapes and Sudanese influences

Spanning such a wide range of practices and disciplines Spring Edition captured not only a flavour of Spring, but brought together designers from all over the British Isles, gathered under the roof of the Chelsea Old Town Hall to celebrate craftsmanship and skill.

If you visited Spring Edition, why not share your thoughts, images and highlights with us via Twitter or Facebook? #SpringEdition

@handmadebritain
www.facebook.com/handmadeinbritain

Handmade in Britain 2014

The Contemporary Craft and Design Fair

14th - 16th November 2014 

Chelsea Old Town Hall London

Now in its 8th year, our annual winter event returns to Chelsea this November to showcase fine, contemporary work from 100 designer-makers.

Information regarding the show and tickets will be available in the autumn.

Spring Series: The Natural World Part Four

We are still getting responses from our Spring call out, exploring nature and the season of spring in the work and processes of some of this year's Spring Edition exhibitors. With the starting point of...

How do the materials you work in communicate and connect to spring and an awareness of the seasons?
Does the natural world influence your work and creative processes and if so how?

 We explore the creative world of Kirstie Adams Ceramics...

Kirstie Adams hand throws her delicate but durable porcelain-wear from her studio in Kent, drawing inspiration from the sea.

'My blue rim tableware collection is reminiscent of the waves of the sea with a feeling of movement to the cobalt blue dipped glazing process.'

 'My hand thrown shapes are natural and flowing in feel, reflecting a sense of movement. No piece is exactly the same, as in nature no form is repeated, each is unique.'

'My new copper green rims are Spring like and fresh in feel. I will be showing the copper green rims in a new series of bowls for the Spring show' 

'I also use nature as a way of showing pieces through photography (photos by Matthew Booth Photography) shown in the vase collection and bowl collection photos -fruits and flowers complementing my bronze lustre rim collections of vases and bowls very well.'

'See my ceramics at stand 18 at Handmade in Britain Spring Edition!'

To find out more about Kirstie Adams Ceramics go to:
  www.kirstyadams.com
 www.facebook.com/kirstyadamsceramics
 @Kirsty_lawler

All the featured designer-makers in our Spring Series: The Natural World blog posts will be exhibiting at Handmade in Britain's up coming event at the Chelsea Old Town Hall. To find out more about the event, and book tickets head to: www.handmadeinbritain.co.uk

Tickets now on sale

Handmade in Britain 14:
Spring Edition

The Contemporary Crafts & Design Fair

9th - 11th May 2014
Chelsea Old Town Hall, London

Spring Edition is open:
Friday 9th: 11:00 - 19:00
Saturday 10th: 11:00 - 18:00
Sunday 11th: 11:00 - 18:00

Tickets are available online now at £5
Tickets on the door are £7/£5 conc.