From May 13th to 19th, 2024, London Craft Week (LCW) will celebrate British and international creativity, bringing together 750 established and emerging makers, designers, brands, and galleries from London and beyond. LCW promises a curated showcase sure to captivate craft enthusiasts and aficionados alike.
Across various genres covering craft, art, design, luxury, fashion, and accessories, a diverse array of immersive experiences, original exhibitions, masterclasses, workshops, and demonstrations will unfold, offering boundless opportunities for exploration. As the highly anticipated 10th-anniversary edition approaches, anticipation builds for the multitude of experiences awaiting attendees.
While spontaneous delights abound, many events boast limited capacity and require advance booking. Interested visitors should go to the LCW website to secure their tickets and delve into details of the programme. For real-time updates, visitors and followers can stay tuned to @londoncraftweek as the excitement mounts.
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| Unspun image courtesy of The Mills Fabrica, the Official Innovation Partner of London Craft Week. |
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| The work of renowned American artist Dale Chihuly will be among the highlights of London Craft Week 2024 to be shown in the Chelsea Barracks. Here is a hanging sculpture by Chihuly in the grand entrance of London's Victoria and Albert Museum. Photo by Lucia Carpio |
Reflecting on the journey since its inception in 2015, Guy Salter, Chairman of LCW, reminisces, "It feels like just yesterday that The King & Queen launched the first London Craft Week. Now, in our milestone tenth year, we welcome over 225,000 visitors to experience 520 events featuring 700 artists and makers. Our mission remains unwavering: to celebrate outstanding craftsmanship from across the UK and beyond, leveraging the vibrancy, diversity, and serendipity of our beloved city. In our own small way, I believe we have contributed to London's cultural tapestry and reinforced the significance of the craft."
Among those stepping into the spotlight are forward-thinking artisans and brands championing sustainable materials and innovative practices to minimize their environmental footprint. Once again, LCW partners with The Mills Fabrica as its Innovation Partner, presenting an exhibition spotlighting 12 Planet-Saving Innovations across key themes such as climate change, water, land use, chemicals, waste, and microplastics.
As the Official Innovation Partner of London Craft Week, The Mills Fabrica invites visitors into the realm of sustainable innovation with a compelling lineup of events hosted in King’s Cross. Leading the charge is Fabrica X's newest exhibition, "Planet-Saving Innovations," unveiling the top 10 sustainable innovations and their impact on ecological priorities. From garments dyed with bacteria to accessories crafted from plants and cutting-edge materials derived from proteins and fungi, bespoke installations offer a glimpse into a harmonious future for fashion and textiles.
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| “Beyond the Loom: Contemporary Expressions of Sadu” is a unique showcase at the Embassy of Kuwait that will tell a story of cultural continuity and artistic innovation through meticulously crafted Art produced by Kuwaiti artisans. The exhibition showcases the skilled translation of geometric patterns, vibrant colors, and cultural motifs from Sadu textiles into the realm of furniture and crafts, resulting in a stunning fusion of heritage and creativity, with each piece narrating a tale of cultural pride and artisanal expertise. Photo from LCW website. |
The LCW programme also features collaborations with leading material innovators, industry experts, and brands united in their commitment to advancing sustainable innovation in fashion and textiles. Through events with NFW, Colorifix, unspun, Positive Luxury, and The Woolmark Company, visitors are empowered to join the movement toward a just and sustainable future for both people and the planet.
Highlighting the international dimension of this year's festival will be an exhibition showcasing the work of Kuwaiti artisans, hosted by the Kuwait embassy. Titled "Beyond the Loom," the exhibition pays homage to the rich traditions of Sadu weaving, a craft steeped in history and nurtured by generations of dedicated practitioners. Originating from the demands of nomadic desert life, Sadu weaving embodies the art of transforming scarce resources into intricate and cherished community treasures, showcasing the beauty and significance that emerge from simplicity and ingenuity.
In the contemporary pieces on display, traditional Sadu motifs intertwine with modern aesthetics, showcasing the artisans' remarkable ability to bridge heritage with contemporary design. This fusion marks a vibrant evolution in Kuwaiti artistic expression, capturing the essence of adaptability and artistic innovation. "Beyond the Loom" transcends mere exhibition; it offers a meticulously curated journey through time, seamlessly blending past and present to illuminate the enduring influence of traditional arts on Kuwait's cultural landscape. It stands as a testament to the enduring impact of tradition on contemporary art and design, celebrating the richness of cultural heritage in shaping the artistic narrative.
LCW is also set to host a craft symposium at the London Victoria & Albert Museum in South Kensington, featuring panel discussions and keynote speeches by leading figures in the field. Delving into topics such as the evolving craft lexicon over the past decade, digital innovation, the transmission of skills through apprenticeships, and the intersection of craftsmanship and luxury, the symposium promises insightful exploration and dialogue.
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