Craftworks - A new destination for London Craft Week
Cox London presents the past, present and future of craft at Shoreditch Town Hall
Pieces by Sofia Karakatsani; Floris Wubben; Bridget Bailey; Lulu Harrison; Cox London and Vic Wright for SCP
Craftworks is a brand-new trade show hosting the very best of arts, craft and design. It promises to be a true East London destination for London Craft Week, which takes place across all three floors of the impressive Shoreditch Town Hall, 15-17 May 2024, and aims to bring together a truly diverse array of 100 high-end makers, celebrating talent from all walks of life.
Craftworks, brought to you by Cox London, will bring together the country’s premier craft organisations and businesses, including QEST, Design-Nation, SCP and more to honour the past through preserving traditional skills, celebrate the thriving present of British craftsmanship in all of its diversity, and secure the future of craft by giving a platform to dynamic new makers.
Visitors to Craftworks 2024 can explore a variety of vital themes and features centred around the past, present, and future of craft. One of the central themes at Craftworks is Zero Waste Craft. The circularity and sustainability of craft practices are key to many exhibitors, such as Caroline Hyde-Brown, Willow Bloomfield, and Lulu Harrison, who use recycled, foraged, and waste materials, emphasising sustainability in crafting.
Pieces by McMillen Art; Carl Clerkin for SCP; Worshipful Company of Fan Makers; Gather Glass; Kay + Stemmer for SCP; Majeda Clarke and Floris Wubben for SCP
Craftworks also aims to challenge public perceptions of the craft industry by highlighting untold stories and talent that have traditionally been sidelined. With over 100 makers, the show demonstrates that craft is an industry for people of all backgrounds, abilities, ages, and identities.
Craftworks is partnering with The Black Artisans to host an exhibition of their latest photo project featuring twelve Black Artisans across the UK, photographed at work in their studios. This project aims to make visible Black Artisans to enlighten, educate and inspire people and - in particular young people - to explore these areas as a potential career path.
A proportion of Craftworks' makers are from backgrounds that are traditionally underrepresented in craft or include those who have found craft as a secondary career. For example, mosaic artist Dionne Ible (Qemamu Mosaics), part of The Black Artisans, will be exhibiting her mosaic works which depict matriarchal figures and landscapes, inspired by her Caribbean/African heritage. Dionne left her 9-5 job as a Legal Secretary after self-funding a life-changing 10-week mosaic course. Former construction worker turned textile designer Graeme Bone, facilitated his career change by winning a space on The Modern Artisans, a training program run by Craftworks partner The King’s Foundation, with YOOX Net-a-Porter.
Many of the makers have also found that craft has given them direction through mental health struggles. For instance, 'Artsmith' Bex Simon - the first woman to receive the Tonypandy Cup - awarded by the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths, has bipolar disorder and explores this within her work.
Another feature, "Craft Really Works," showcases craft as an activity for the well-being of society. This collection includes projects from across the UK focused on the positive effects of craft and making. Exhibits range from Fine Cell Work, a UK-based rehabilitation charity and social enterprise, to Mud Gang Pottery, a female-led ceramics studio on a mission to make clay activities accessible to everyone.
Craftworks has also partnered with Heritage Crafts, the national charity for traditional heritage crafts, to showcase The Red List of Endangered Crafts. This highlights craft skills at risk of extinction in the UK, featuring institutions like Whitchurch Silk Mill, the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers, and straw hat maker Lucy Barlow.
Craftworks will feature three full days of cutting-edge craft conversations and topical talks from industry leaders and the country’s finest makers. Attendees will hear from thought leaders, journalists, CEOs of Britain’s largest craft companies, and trend analysts on topics ranging from AI's impact on the craft industry to efforts to preserve endangered crafts.
Dates: 15-17 May
Opening Hours: Wednesday 9am – 7pm, Thursday 11am – 9pm, Friday 9am – 5pm
Entry: Free with advance registration. Register online here.
Address: Shoreditch Town Hall, 380 Old St, London, EC1V 9LT
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