Edmund de Waal wins London Craft Week Medal at V&A

Cylindrical-shaped ceramic vessels in light gray and light yellow are encased in a vitrine. There are two light gray square boards as well. — Music in thirteen parts, by Edmund de Waal, 2017. Photography: Mike Bruce. Courtesy of the artist and Gagosian

(Image credit: Mike Bruce. Courtesy of the artist and Gagosian)

British artist Edmund De Waal was awarded the London Craft Week Medal last night, an accolade celebrating creativity and craftsmanship. The award was presented during the opening event to London Craft Week at the Victoria and Albert Museum, kicking off a week-long celebration of artisanal prowess, which will immerse the city in a rich programme of workshops, talks, open studios and exhibitions.

Now in its second instalment, the award pays tribute to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional skill, showing innovation and originality, and has given an incredible contribution to craftsmanship: De Waal’s work ticks all boxes. After learning pottery at a young age, he started experimenting with the medium working across England and in Japan. De Waal became known for his installation of ceramic vessels, often presented in monochromatic arrangements, which have been exhibited in museums across the world.

‘It’s a ridiculous pleasure, receiving this award in my favourite museum,’ said De Waal upon being presented with the medal. ‘Craft is a way of thinking about the world. Craft crosses all kinds of boundaries, it’s about head, heart, eyes and hands.’ Receiving the award in London, he added, was a special pleasure. ‘[London] is a place where for two millennia, people have been bringing different crafts to reinvent the city, which has now become an international community of friends I am incredibly proud of.’

The award was presented by fashion designer Hussein Chalayan, who himself will participate in London Craft Week with a talk discussing his garment construction techniques. Having been an admirer of De Waal’s work for a long time, Chalayan spoke fondly of the artist’s approach to craft. ‘He is someone who uses hard forms creating new connections between past and present, the visible and the invisible,’ he says. ‘He brought craft to a different level, incorporating the written word, using the medium to create narratives.’

A closer look at the cylindrical-shaped ceramic vessels in light gray and light yellow. — Detail of *Music in thirteen parts,* 2017, which comprises 11 porcelain vessels and two alabaster blocks in an aluminium and plexiglass vitrine

Five porcelain vessels and three alabaster blocks in light gray, light yellow, and light blue are set on a white shelf. — *Vita silente, I,* 2017, five porcelain vessels and three alabaster blocks with gilding on an aluminium shelf

Seven porcelain vessels and one alabaster block in light gray, light yellow, and light blue are set on a white shelf. — *Vita silente, II,* 2017, 7 porcelain vessels and one alabaster block on an aluminium shelf

Five porcelain vessels and four alabaster blocks in white, light gray, light yellow, and light blue are set on a white shelf. — *Vita silente, III,* 2017, five porcelain vessels, four alabaster blocks and one porcelain tile on an aluminium shelf

INFORMATION

For more information, visit the London Craft Week website

Rosa Bertoli was born in Udine, Italy, and now lives in London. Since 2014, she has been the Design Editor of Wallpaper*, where she oversees design content for the print and online editions, as well as special editorial projects. Through her role at Wallpaper*, she has written extensively about all areas of design. Rosa has been speaker and moderator for various design talks and conferences including London Craft Week, Maison & Objet, The Italian Cultural Institute (London), Clippings, Zaha Hadid Design, Kartell and Frieze Art Fair. Rosa has been on judging panels for the Chart Architecture Award, the Dutch Design Awards and the DesignGuild Marks. She has written for numerous English and Italian language publications, and worked as a content and communication consultant for fashion and design brands.