From 8 to 14 May, makers will once again take centre-stage across the city for the annual celebration of their skills that is London Craft Week. We’ll be joining forces with SCP – a landmark of the east-London design scene for over 30 years – to host a conversation with designer Floris Wubben on 11 May (click here to book your free ticket), whose new works are the stars of an exhibition at its Curtain Road store store. With that in mind, our attention is on the exciting activities happening around Shoreditch.
Material designer Brodie Neill is inviting visitors into his canal-side atelier so they can better understand the processes that transform ocean plastics and other waste materials into his ‘Turning Tables’ collection of upcycled centrepieces. Gareth Neal is also opening up his workshop – all are welcome (even dogs). There will be plenty to see, including new work and exciting test projects.
Take the cobbled back streets to House of Hackney’s atmospheric showroom in the old converted church of St Michael’s, where craftsperson Alice Gabb will lead a session on the history of banners, as well as teaching participants to make their own using the brand’s famous floral fabrics.
Another workshop will see Leo Flower’s founder Jessie Beaumont teaching botanical paper craft – those taking part will leave with a small posy of everlasting blooms.
We’re big fans of the inventive makers who call Cockpit home, so we’ll definitely be stopping by to see Esna Su’s explorations of Turkish weaving and crochet, Swedish/Eritrean jewellery designer Meron Wolde’s exquisite pieces, or one of the venue’s lunchtime ‘lightning talks’ delving into artisans’ processes.
Finally, Easter might be over, but there’s one very special egg hunt worth joining during the festival. Fritz Hansen celebrates Arne Jacobson’s ‘Egg’ chair with a trail that will see a special edition patchwork version popping up across town in selected stores. There’s also a fascinating exhibition at the London showroom charting the history of the iconic design. londoncraftweek.com
