Argentine Ambassador’s official residence among key venues to host impressive art works during London Craft Week

 LCW 2021 (4th to 10th October) sets the bar high for arts and crafts

In the past week, London has been hosting  across the capital, under the banner of London Craft Week, the outstanding creativity and exceptional work from artists around the world.

Venezuela artist Daniel Reynolds's Kinetic Sculpture hung inside the Argentine Ambassador's
residence in London Belgravia.

Glazed earthenware by Andrea Salvatori of Italy, in the octagonal lobby
of the Argentine Ambassador's residence.

As Chairman of the event Guy Salter has put it, this year has been their most ambitious and varied programme ever, with nearly 400 events, much of which is a direct result of the changes and challenges of Covid.  Last year, despite the restrictions LCW introduced an extensive online programme; this year it has returned as a physical festival primarily, experimenting with new exhibition formats and much else.

A selection of artworks by Batool Showghi of Iran and Monica Fierro
of Argentina on display in the Argentine Ambassador's Residence Office.

Among the most impressive venues was the Argentine Ambassador’s official residence in exclusive Belgravia, with support from the Crafts Council, QEST, Loewe Foundation, Michelangelo Foundation, Cockpit Arts, Design Centre Chelsea Harbour and Artegian Design. 

Italy's Andrea Salvatori's Riveder le Stella installation.

Art works in cast glass, steel and wood by Jon Lewis of the UK.

A selection of ceramics on display in one of the 
salons of the Argentine's Ambassador's residence.

Cave (engraved furnace glass) by
Vezzini of Italy and Chen of Taiwan.

This is a rare opportunity to visit this historic residence designed by Thomas Cubitt, where some of the world’s finest contemporary objects sit within this opulent interior of the residence, over two floors of the four-storey mansion, in rooms including the Ambassador’s office, the formal dining room and the grand ballroom.  

Planet in lilac and gold by
Lena Bergstrom of Sweden

Opened to the public (online booking necessary) from 4th  – 10th October , Crafting a Difference at the Argentine Ambassador's residence is curated by Andrea Harari and Brian Kennedy, and the exhibition has brought together over 200 works in ceramics, wood, glass, metal, textiles and paper by over 30 artists carefully selected from the five galleries, Cavaliero Finn, jaggedart,  MADEINBRITALY, Ting Ying Gallery and Vessel Gallery. 

Three glass artwork by Zhao Jingya of China, and from Charlotte Hodes of the UK
is a handcut stencil and enamel in earthenware.

A vast selection of stoneware designs by
Bjork Haraldsdottir of Iceland.
Table cloths by Coloursquatters.com

Hand-carved wood and mixed media sculptures by
Denise de Cordova of the UK.

These artworks populate the rooms offering an inspiring dialogue with the fabric of the building, as contemporary sits alongside the grand historical chandeliers, works of art, furniture, tapestries and mirrors within the building.   

Wood-carved sculpture on balcony by Denise de Cordova of the UK.

Allium in galvanised forged steel and blown glass by Jenny Pickford of the UK.

Continuing this weekend, there remains a selection of highlights from the festival's programme taking place across London and online.

In the west end, one should visit Takumi Townhouse where in association with Lexus is an exhibition that celebrates the "takumi" working in the UK today across leather, glass, wood, metal and paper.

Takumi in Japan is the word given to artisans who dedicate years to mastering and continually refining their skills. This exhibition includes works by the five artists featured in the Lexus ‘In Search of Takumi’ series.  They are Otis Ingrams, Peter Layton, Sally Burnett, Will Barker and Clare Pentlow.

Glass artwork by Peter Layton

Metal sculpture by blacksmith Will Barker featuring the process of creating the waved patterns of banding and mottling distinct to Damascus steel. On show at Takumi Townhouse in association with Lexus.

Wood art work by Sally Burnett.

Also featured are works by Bill Amberg Studio, Kuniko Maeda, Fflur Owen, Nina Casson McGarva, Liam Reeves, Choi Keeryong, Wayne Meeten, Junko Mori, Eleanor Lakelin, MAX BAINBRIDGE / FOREST+FOUND, Marc Ricourt, Lis Costa and Adi Toch.

Meanwhile, one should stop over at UK knitwear specialist John Smedley shop on Jermyn Street to see a curated selection of works from ceramic artist and QEST scholar Matthew Foster. 

The collection combines Matthew’s signature interests of form, surface, gesture of making and functionality with the colour blue which is iconic to John Smedley having featured in their branding since 1784.

Separately, one can explore Fabrica X at The Mills Fabrica Sat 9 & Sun 10 October; 10am–6pm.

This is Fabrica X, London's first concept store and innovation gallery, which is presenting a showcase of demonstrations, workshops and retail experiences this weekend that is centred on sustainable innovations.

Elsewhere, join The Mills Fabrica for the world premiere of the Mylo Consortium led by Bolt Threads, who make their patented mushroom leather for Adidas, Stella McCartney and Lululemon.  Made from mycelium, Mylo is a soft, supple and sustainable alternative to leather. Meet Mylo™ and learn how Bolt Threads is advancing sustainable innovation and the circular economy.

Discover LOEWE's Botanical Rainbow of Fragrances Sat 9 October; 11am–6pm & Sun 10 October; 12pm–6pm.  The fashion brand LOEWE is highlighting the innovative and highly crafted nature of its Botanical Rainbow of fragrances with an installation of artworks and sculptural floral displays in the style of Sofu Teshigahara (1900 – 1979), Master of Ikebana, at their Grade II listed CASA LOEWE London flagship store. It will will include one of Teshigahara’s original artworks “Untitled” 1950s- 1970s, an impressive bronze sculpture, and four vases generously lent by the Sogetsu Foundation, with floral displays in Teshigahara’s distinctive style provided by the London branch of the Sogetsu School.

Meanwhile the Innovation in Craft exhibition Fri 8 – Sun 10 October; 10am–6pm showcases Silverlining’s progressive ideas, craftsmanship and finishes in furniture through hand sketches and jewel-like material and finish samples.

Also visit Turkish Decorative Patterns Fri 8 – Sun 10 October; various times, Yunus Emre Enstitüsü, London, for a workshop to learn traditional geometric and floral patterns and create your own composition.

Then at Young Masters Fri 8 – Sun 10 October; 11am–7pm, Cynthia Corbett Gallery and Young Masters curator and judge Preston Fitzgerald present a showcase of past Young Masters winners and alumnae as well as new fresh diverse talent; while at Leach 101 Fri 8 – Sun 10 October; 10am–6pm, Thrown presents a delayed celebration of the 100-year anniversary of the Leach Pottery, St Ives, showcasing the Leach studio team of today at The Old Brick Shop on Southwark Street.

 

For the full programme, click HERE.

All photos by Lucia Carpio© for MyFashionConnectGlobal.