What to see at London Craft Week
London Craft Week has kicked off with exhibitions, talks and showcases across the capital
A host of designers, artists and makers are taking part in London Craft Week (4 –10 October 2021) across the capital this week. From Floor Story revealing what goes into the making of its rugs, to artists at the Sarah Myerscough Gallery considering the future of interiors, and Crafting a Difference holding an exhibition at the Argentine ambassador’s official residence, enjoy our guide of what to see and where to see it.
Future Icons at Residency
During London Craft Week, 14 makers from craft collective Future Icons will pop up, with temporary retail solution Residency, for a showcase in London’s Islington. Makers from the initiative, which celebrates original design and intricate craftsmanship, will be showcasing work from disciplines including ceramics and embroidery, as well as holding craft demonstrations. The event runs alongside an exhibition by marble wallpaper artist Nat Maks, who will be unveiling her new tapestry created from wallpaper offcuts.
4 – 10 October 2021, Residency, Unit G12, North Arcade, 129E Upper Street, Islington, London N1 1QP
byresidency.com
Mac Collins for Floor Story
To mark London Craft Week, east London rug company Floor Story is unveiling a collaboration with Mac Collins (winner of the Emerging Design Medal during London Design Festival 2021). Visitors are invited to discover two new rugs, handcrafted in Nepal from Tibetan wool and viscose, as well as take part in a live Q&A with Collins chaired by Crafts Council creative director Natalie Melton. Visitors are invited to go behind the scenes and observe the processes that go into making a rug.
4 – 9 October 2021, 5 Hackney Road, London EC1M The talk between Mac Collins and Natalie Melton on 6 October, at 6pm
floorstory.co.uk
‘Layers’ by Alexandre Arrechea for SoShiro
Art, craft and design gallery SoShiro will play host to ‘Layers’, the first UK solo show from Cuban multimedia artist Alexandre Arrechea. Arrechea considers the social and political implications of architecture in a show that takes inspiration from his native Havana, considering the structure of a building in photo collages, watercolours and sculptures, as well as furniture.
4 October – 13 November 2021, SoShiro, 23 Welbeck Street, London W1G 8DZ
soshiro.co
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‘Outside In’ at Sarah Myerscough Gallery
Sarah Myerscough turns her gaze to future interiors in ‘Outside In’, an exhibition that unites artists putting a contemporary spin on ancient themes. Through their work using sustainable materials – including wood, willow and grass – artists reflect on the blurred lines between the inside and outside worlds.
1 – 27 October 2021, 1 White Hart Lane, London SW13 0PX
sarahmyerscough.com
Fritz Hansen
During London Craft Week, Fritz Hansen is paying tribute to Danish designer Poul Kjærholm with an exhibition including rare archive designs. Fritz Hansen will also be using the occasion to celebrate 65 years of the designer’s ‘PK22’ chair, with the unveiling of a limited-edition version available in two colours until the end of the year. On 7 and 8 October 2021, an insight into the creation process will be offered by weaver Lene Iversen, who will be demonstrating the skills necessary to hand-weave the wicker ‘PK22’, a task she usually undertakes from her home on the Danish island of Endelave.
4 – 9 October 2021, 78 Cowcross Street London EC1M 6EJ
fritzhansen.com
Crafting a Difference
Crafting a Difference will be supported by organisations including Crafts Council, QEST, Loewe Foundation, Michelangelo Foundation, Cockpit Arts, Design Centre Chelsea Harbour and Artegian for its show held at the Argentine ambassador’s official residence during London Craft Week. The exhibition, curated by Andrea Harari and Brian Kennedy, will unite over 200 works in a multitude of materials from 30 artists and five galleries, with each gallery curating a site-specific installation in one of the rooms. Visitors are invited to meet the artists, who will be discussing their work.
4 – 10 October 2021, Argentine ambassador’s Official Residence, 49 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8QZ
Booking is essential at craftingadifference.com
Hannah Silver is the Art, Culture, Watches & Jewellery Editor of Wallpaper*. Since joining in 2019, she has overseen offbeat design trends and in-depth profiles, and written extensively across the worlds of culture and luxury. She enjoys meeting artists and designers, viewing exhibitions and conducting interviews on her frequent travels.
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