Culture and Art: American artist Dale Chihuly's glass sculptures will be featured during London Craft Week May 13 - 19 2024

The itinerary for London Craft Week (LCW)'s much-anticipated 10th-anniversary edition is ready to be revealed and will be officially launched to the public on Monday 25th March 2024 for booking of events.  The public can also follow @londoncraftweek to receive the latest updates as we draw closer to the festival.

Slated to take place across London from May 13th to 19th, 2024, LCW is marking a decade of creative exploration with this year's carefully curated lineup reflecting on the profound evolution of the craft sector over the past ten years. 

The work of renowned American artist Dale Chihuly
will be among the highlights of London Craft Week 2024.

It pays homage to the visionary artisans who have been instrumental in shaping this transformation, while also casting an eye toward the emerging trends and innovations that will shape the next chapter of craftsmanship.  Particularly worth noting are collaborations with an array of exceptionally talented artists and makers from around the globe, alongside London's esteemed cultural institutions and renowned brands.

Reflecting on the journey since its inception in 2015, Guy Salter, Chairman of LCW, shares, "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."

In May this year, one of the key happenings of LCW will be an opportunity to admire the work of renowned American artist Dale Chihuly who is known throughout his illustrious 60-year career for utilising glass as his primary medium to explore the interaction of form with light and space. 

Within the grounds of the luxurious residential complex in Chelsea Barracks, located in Belgravia, London, will be the inaugural edition of the public art initiative "Modern Masters." This free outdoor programme will feature a selection of works by Chihuly, strategically positioned throughout the complex.  This first exhibition of "Modern Masters" invites the public to immerse themselves in Chihuly's captivating glass sculptures amidst the architectural splendor and public grounds of Belgravia.

Greeting visitors in the Grand Entrance of the V&A museum in London, is a spectacular chandelier by American artist Dale Chihuly,  suspended from the domed roof.

Chihuly is no stranger to London as his amazing work can currently be admired at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V & A) in South Kensington, London.  Adorning the Grand Entrance of the iconic museum, suspended from the domed roof is a spectacular chandelier, specifically crafted by Chihuly and his team.

Named the Rotunda Chandelier, this masterpiece is part of Chihuly's renowned "Chandelier" series, inspired by Venetian chandeliers. With its approximately 2000 components, comprising blown glass and steel, and weighing an impressive 1724 kilograms, it stands as the largest in the series, crafted in Seattle, USA.

And in May this year, as in previous years, in partnership with LCW, the V&A South Kensington will have a museum-wide programme featuring an array of events. Visitors can witness demonstrations spanning various galleries, from weaving to silversmithing, couture, ceramics, and woodwork. 

LCW will also host an international craft symposium, offering panel discussions and keynote speeches by leading figures in the field. Topics will include the expanded craft lexicon of the past decade, digital innovations, the legacy of skills passed through apprenticeships, and the intersection of craftsmanship with luxury.

Photos by Lucia Carpio