Handmade at Kew: Tickets on Sale NOW!

Following on from last year’s success, Handmade in Britain is returning to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew for the second edition of the four day craft spectacular, Handmade at Kew! Once again, Kew Gardens will play host to this innovative, global craft fair where more than 200 highly skilled international makers and galleries will showcase their ceramics, glass, furniture, textiles, metalwork and jewellery. Taking centre stage in the heart of the botanical gardens, this four day selling event, housed in an elegant pavilion next to Kew Palace, will offer visitors the unique opportunity to meet and buy one-off pieces directly from artists, makers and craftspeople and learn about the ideas and processes that shape their work.

Click here for a sneak peak at some of the beautiful, handcrafted products you'll find at Handmade at Kew, plus a full list of this year's exhibitors.

OPENING TIMES

6 - 9 October 2016
Thursday to Sunday
10am - 6pm Daily

TICKETS

Book early and save: www.kew.org/handmade

Advanced ticket £16
At the door £18
(includes entry to Kew Gardens)
Concessions for Friends of Kew available

Craft Central opens its doors for Made in Clerkenwell

Craft Central's bi-annual open studios event welcomes guests in to view and buy craft and design from over 100 different designer-makers. Throughout the year, most makers work behind closed doors. During this event, they welcome visitors with open arms and give them a unique glimpse of their lives in the studio.

Over 100 makers opened their doors to the public. 

A delicious complimentary glass of wine. 

A live demonstration of Drawing Machine prints. 

The staff at Handmade HQ had the wonderful opportunity of exploring the studios and admiring the beautiful handcrafted artwork. As you enter their St. John's Square building you are greeted with a complimentary glass of wine. For those who are not fond of alcoholic beverages, Newby Teas offered a complimentary freshly brewed cup of tea. We loved the Rooibos Orange Tisane flavor!

Freshly brewed Newby Tea.

Handmade in Britain opened their office doors to the public to meet the team and give visitors a glimpse into how our events are developed. 

We had a lovely time seeing our neighbours at Clerkenwell Green and taking a sneak peek inside their creative studios. See our best bits below.

Remy Dubibe

Yuta Segawa

Clara Castner

Amanda Li Hope

Handmade in Britain celebrates ten years of contemporary British craftsmanship...

We are excited to announce that this year we will be celebrating our tenth anniversary show! For 10 years, the Handmade in Britain shows have been an annual celebration of the very best of contemporary crafts in the UK today. The fairs have showcased some of the sector's biggest talents and launched the careers of new graduates and emerging designers. The results is a truly unique and high-end event, set to the elegant backdrop of the Chelsea Old Town Hall. With innovative design alongside truly exceptional craftsmanship, the fairs continue to highlight the dazzling talent that the UK has to offer in craft.

Applications now open...

The tenth anniversary show of Handmade in Britain will take place at the Chelsea Old Town Hall, from Friday 11th November to Sunday 13th November (with a Private View evening on Thursday 10th November).

Handmade in Britain welcomes online applications from contemporary craft makers working in the following disciplines: furniture, metal, ceramics, glass, jewellery, textiles, woodwork, paper and interior accessories.

Support for contemporary craftsmanship...

Handmade in Britain is well supported by leading industry voices including Crafts Magazine, Ceramic Review, Selvedge Magazine, Craft & Design Magazine, Arts Thread, Resident Magazine and Home of Artisans. The fairs are highly consumer led but are also well attended by trade buyers, interior designers and...

Please see our Application Pack for more information and the event and for details on how to apply. Please note, the deadline for applications is 28th April 2016.

Apply online now: handmadeinbritain.co.uk/chelsea

Christmas Cheer in Chelsea~A Crafter’s Delight

Visitors enjoyed extraordinary British craftsmanship at the 9^th edition of The Contemporary Crafts & Design Fair

For 9 years, the Handmade in Britain shows have been an annual celebration of the very best of contemporary fine crafts. Handmade in Britain hosts The Contemporary Crafts & Design Fair each winter, beginning the Christmas season with exceptional design and crafts in a luxury shopping experience, set to the glamourous backdrop of the Chelsea Old Town Hall. The 10th anniversary edition of the show takes place in November 2016.

The fairs have showcased some of the sector’s biggest talents and continue to provide a launch pad for new graduates and emerging designers. The result is a truly unique and festive event. With innovative design alongside truly exceptional craftsmanship, visitors this year were once again treated to a dazzling variety of form, function and style from over 120 highly skilled designer-makers.

Our Visitors

Footfall this year was encouraging with over 3300 attendees across the weekend. The show was well attended by a broad range of customers including affluent retail consumers alongside trade buyers from major retail stores, galleries, independent boutiques and online platforms.  Buyers and galleries from the UK and abroad attended, with representatives from well-known UK based stores.

New Graduates

Alongside established and well-known makers, Handmade in Britain invited ARTS THREAD Selects to showcase the work of ten top graduate talents. The showcase was an overwhelming success for these new designer-makers who presented creative, vibrant and inspiring work across a range of disciplines – from jewellery to ceramics, and textiles to enamelware.

Success for Designer-Makers

This year, Handmade in Britain 15 welcomed an exceptional calibre of work from over 120 exhibitors, each handpicked by our panel of industry experts which included Marianne Lumholdt, Mar Mar Co; Kate Bentley, Bils & Rye Gallery; Dan Goode, Home of Artisans; Ian Rudge, Clarion Events and Judith Harris, The Conran Shop. The exhibitors demonstrated extraordinary talent across fashion and interiors, offering an exciting variety of absolute craftsmanship from all four corners of the UK. Disciplines showcased included glass, ceramics, jewellery, furniture, fashion accessories and home textiles.

Handmade in Britain 15 once again drew a fantastic response, with both visitors and makers praising the exceptional standard, variety and innovation of the work on show, alongside appreciation for a lovely, friendly and buzzing atmosphere. 

Exhibitors reflect on #Chelsea15

Jill Ford

“I thought the show looked fab - with the usual high standard of work.”

Jill Ford

Alison Stockmarr

“Thank you so much for such a fantastically well organised event. Everything from set up to finish was great. Set up and finish are usually a bun fight but with such careful planning and so many charmingly helpful porters, it was a dream.....On a personal front, I’ve never achieved such success....Many thanks for all your help and advice...what a team!" 

Alison Stockmarr

Emily Thatcher

“Thanks for putting on such a great show, it not only looked fantastic, but it was also really well curated, which really showed in the attendance and sales!...I will definitely be applying for 2016.”

Emily Thatcher

Alice Robson

“I would very much like to do it again...and thought the whole show was fantastically organised.” 

Alice Robson  

         

Leonardo Pieroni

“We picked up two new and wonderful clients. One has already visited our studio....”

Leonardo Pieroni

Sabine Konig

                                     

“The Private View was lovely, really busy and buzzing.”    

Sabine Konig

Annie Ruthven-Taggart

“Really looking forward to the 10th Year celebrations next year.” 

Annie Ruthven-Taggart

Support for contemporary craftsmanship

The Fair was well supported by media partners Crafts Magazine, Ceramic Review, Selvedge Magazine, Craft & Design Magazine, Arts Thread and Resident Magazine and headline sponsor Home of Artisans who took centre stage quite literally with their online marketplace which transformed the main stage. Their stand offered a variety of beautiful handcrafted objects for the home from Scandi inspired ceramics to contemporary tapestry art.

New Year: The 10th Anniversary

Handmade in Britain 16: The Contemporary Crafts & Design Fair

11 – 13  November 2016

Chelsea Old Town Hall, London

Handmade in Britain exists to support, promote and celebrate designer-makers who create their work in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.  We increase accessibility and visibility, create market opportunities and maintain high standards in the craft sector whilst providing a comprehensive support programme towards a bright future for British craft and design. Our work provides a platform for design and craft talent through both our own events and collaborations with other organisations, alongside a mentoring programme and membership scheme. 

Visit us: www.handmadeinbritain.co.uk

Follow us: twitter.com/handmadebritain

Find us: www.facebook.com/handmadeinbritain

See us: www.instagram.com/handmadebritain

Read about us: http://www.handmadeinbritainblog.blogspot.co.uk/

Contact

For further press information and visuals please contact:

Sarah Ward: sarah@handmadeinbritain.co.uk / 02072865110

A Preview of the Chelsea Show-What Talent to Watch For

Ceramics 

Find covetable pieces for your home from a select group of talented ceramicists including London based Elizabeth Renton who makes hand thrown functional tableware in a delicate colour palette of muted tones and Chito Kuroda who creates modern porcelain vases and bottles on a wheel using simple forms with clean surfaces, which engender a feeling of calmness. Jill Ford’s contemporary bowls, vases and vessels explore the organic characteristics of porcelain: translucency, whiteness, smoothness and strength combined with an illusion of fragility whilst Scotland’s Sian Patterson creates ceramics as ‘functional still life’ and showcases a quiet collection of work both familiar and distinctive. With a nod towards knit and embroidery, Annette Bugansky produces tactile porcelain vessels with experimental and intricate textile surface patterns. 

Elizabeth Renton, Ceramics.

Glass 

See an astonishing array of glassware at this year’s show from the likes of talented Samantha Sweet who uses traditional cutting techniques to decorate contemporary hand blown lead crystal glass and Assenden Glass who manipulate the medium to create beautiful, colourful forms from recycled glass. Elin Isaksson makes hand blown glass in sleek and tactile Scandinavian forms and Vicky Higginson takes inspiration from Japanese arts and culture to produce elegant hand-blown glass art and functional vessels. 

Samantha Sweet, Glass.

Textiles 

Snuggle up this winter with cosy knits by Hattie Kerrs and Katie Mawson, add a pop of colour to your wardrobe with Taisir Gibreel’s vibrant printed silks or a touch of elegance with hats by established milliner, Karen Henriksen. For perfect accessories, look no further than Nell Harper’s delicious leather bags which celebrate traditional handcrafted skills in a contemporary and functional form and not forgetting Scottish maker Catherine Aitken whose collection of bags, made with Harris Tweeds, waxed cotton and Scottish linens, embody style, strength and luxury. 

Katie Mawson, Textiles.

Jewellery 

Shop for innovative designs and luxurious pieces, just in time for Christmas. Sabine Konig’s bold and striking precious metal jewellery uses vibrant unusual gemstones; by combining brushed silver with freshwater pearls Sabine creates classic pieces with a modern twist. Victoria Walker specialises in fine kinetic jewellery inspired by the beauty of natural forms. Her signature seed-pod lockets feature tiny articulated flowers that emerge and dramatically unfold into bloom. Lesley Strickland uses innovative materials combining cellulose acetate and silver to produce colourful pieces and Joana Cunha’s playful work blends traditional jewellery skills with new technologies and materials. 

Joana Cunha, Jewellery.

Metal 

Discover exquisite silverware from talented UK based silversmiths including Adrian Hope who draws on the past to create nostalgic forms which are at once tactile, simple and unique and Jen Ricketts who transforms iconic skylines into elegant, decorative pieces. Sally Cox takes classical elements and gives them a contemporary twist to produce her functional tableware and Helen London utilises the traditional technique of filigree to create intricate pieces of sleek contemporary designs. For scrumptious textures and decadent forms, look no further than Zoe Watts’ lovingly hand-fashioned silver vessels. 

This a rare opportunity to see such a varied collection of original and beautiful work, all handmade right here in the UK. With Christmas just around the corner, The Contemporary Crafts & Design Fair could be the answer to your search for that really special gift. Book your ticket now. 

Sally Cox, Metal.

Highlights for 2015 

Fresh Talent in British Craft & Design 

Not to be missed at the fair this year is the New Graduate Showcase, supported by Arts Thread. Alongside established and well-known makers the show celebrates new talent, and invites you to meet designers at the very start of their career. The team at Arts Thread have carefully selected the brightest new talent in fashion and interiors to present their work in a dedicated gallery area in what for many will be their first professional show. 

www.handmadeinbritain.co.uk

Countdown to the Annual Contemporary Crafts & Design Fair

Three days. Over 120 makers. The ultimate shopping treat. 

This Christmas, avoid the high street and opt for handmade at Handmade in Britain 15, the annual showcase of the very best of contemporary British craft and design at Chelsea Old Town Hall. Browse exceptional crafts, buy unique and original gifts, or commission a bespoke piece of work directly from over 120 of the UK’s finest designer-makers, each handpicked by a panel of industry experts. 

The show is a wonderful opportunity to shop for exquisite ceramics, glass, furniture, textiles, jewellery and silverware in a beautiful, historic venue. Makers will be on hand throughout the weekend to talk to you about their work and showcase their collections, inviting you to learn how your favourite pieces are made and to discover the story behind that perfect gift. On Saturday evening headline sponsor Home of Artisans will be hosting an exclusive late night shopping event, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy browsing in a relaxed and festive atmosphere until 8pm. 

On November 13th through the 15th, come down to Chelsea Old Town Hall to browse, buy, or commission exquisite pieces and chat with fresh talent in British craft and design about their work. 

Book your ticket now at www.handmadeinbritain.co.uk

FURTHER INFORMATION:

OPENING TIMES 

Friday 13 November 11:00 - 18:00 

Saturday 14 November 11:00 - 20:00 

Sunday 15 November 11:00 - 17:00 

TICKETS 

Book early and save: www.handmadeinbritain.co.uk 

Online: £8
On the door: £10 / £8 Concessions 

Group bookings: 0207 2865 110 

VENUE 

Chelsea Old Town Hall, Kings Road, London SW3 5EE 

Organised by Handmade in Britain 

www.handmadeinbritain.co.uk 

@handmadeinbritain
#Chelsea15 

www.handmadeinbritain.co.uk

Handmade in Britain Goes International!

Hannah Grace Ryan Jewellery

Great news! Handmade in Britain is going international! We're thrilled to announce that we will be taking thirteen eminent British designers to the south of France for the Vivre Côté Sud Fair in an exciting new collaboration between Handmade in Britain and the luxury French Interiors store Penates. The Vivre Côté Sud Fair showcases luxury design while capturing the spirit of the Mediterranean and takes place from the 5th to the 8th June in the charming Aix-en-Provence.

Emily-Kriste Wilcox

London Craft Week might be around the corner however our talented British designer-makers come from all corners of the UK and from a range of backgrounds. Such as Hannah Ryan who designs her bold jewellery pieces in her Glasgow workshop, Jane Crisp who makes bespoke furniture in Cambridgeshire or Emily-Kriste Wilcox, who creates ceramic vessels that exude calm and balance from her studio in Birmingham.  

Jane Crisp

Handmade in Britain prides itself in championing British craft & design. We chose our designer-makers because their work embodies luxury craft, It's accomplished, contemporary and innovative. This is an amazing opportunity not just for Handmade in Britain's talented makers but also for British design which will be reaching new international markets this Summer. For more information about the Vivre Côté Sud Fair or Handmade in Britain's other projects visit out website www.handmadeinbritain.co.uk.

Top picks at London Craft Week

London Craft Week, a brand new annual event that showcases exceptional craft, opens today and carries on until the 10th May. With important partners and organisations such as Arts Council England, Craft Council and the Mayor of London, London Craft Week is a major event on the craft calender. With dozens of events, workshops and demonstrations spread over London, we've chosen our top ones to watch out for. 

1. Cockpit Arts, an award winning social enterprise will be holding Spring Open Studios. Get a glimpse behind the scenes and meet 170 independent designers-makers in their element. You can even buy directly from them if you wish and entry is free! It starts on Friday 8th May 6 pm - 9 pm and carries on through Saturday & Sunday 11 am - 6 pm at Cockpit Yard, Holborn. The second series of Open Studios take place on the 15th - 17th May and takes place in Deptford.

2. Presented by Crafts Council, COLLECT brings some of the finest collectible craft from galleries across the world to London. Anyone who has a passion for international craft should check this one out! This is a great way to keep up to date with the latest trends and developments in the craft world. Advance tickets are £12 and can be bought online, tickets on the door are £17 for adults and £12 for concessions. COLLECT takes place in the Saatchi Gallery.

Begins Friday 8th May 12 - 6 pm / Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th 11 am - 6 pm / Monday 11th 11 am - 4 pm

3. The next open studio at London Craft Week is Made in Clerkenwell, meet the designer-makers in their work-spaces and buy directly from them too. The admission is £3 however under 16's go free! To celebrate the first annual London Craft Week, Made in Clerkenwell will also be holding demonstrations throughout the four days. These demonstrations will showcase specialist craft skills and are interactive, creative and free! 

Thursday 7th May 5-8 pm / Friday 8th May 12-8 pm / Saturday 9th & Sunday 10 May 12 - 5 pm     

4. What is Luxury? It's a Good question and the title of the new V&A and Crafts Council Exhibition that delves into how 'Luxury' is made and understood in a physical, conceptual and cultural level. While it is a part of London Craft Week, the exhibition started on the 25th April and will carry on until the 27th September at the V&A Museum. Admission is free and opening hours are 10 am - 5:30 pm apart from Fridays when the V&A is open late and closes at 9:30 pm.