If you want to see the work of established and emerging Ceramic Artist talent then you must visit London Craft Week 3-7 May 2017. This is an annual event dedicated to showing you amazing craft in the fields of ceramics, woodwork, metal work, furniture, textiles, jewellery and more. Design lovers will get the opportunity to attend shows, unique events, workshops and even dinner parties hosted throughout the capital. I’ve picked out five ceramic maker events which you might want to visit during London Craft Week.
Ceramic Work by Matthew Raw
London Craft Week British Ceramic Artist Events
Martin Smith and Alison Britton: Martin and Alison will be holding a joint open studio event. Martin is a key figure in the world of British ceramics. He trained at Bristol Polytechnic Faculty of Art and Design and the Royal College of Art. During his career, Martin has been the Professor of Ceramics and Glass at the Royal College of Art for 16 years. He is a Senior Research Fellow at the RCA considering the potential of digitally printed ceramic surface. Martin’s work has been exhibited internationally and pieces are held in public collections. Alison Britton was awarded an OBE for her services to arts and crafts. She is a British ceramic artist who is perhaps most famously known for her large sculptural hand-built vessels. Alison studied at Leeds College of Art and the Central School of Art and Design where she is a tutor. Her work can be seen in several collections including the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Open Studio: Held Friday 5 May at 3pm, tickets cost £8 plus VAT.
Address: Unit 10, 44 St Paul’s Crescent, London NW1 9TN.
Ceramic Work by Martin Smith
Billy Lloyd: Billy is an award-winning potter known for his thrown tableware and no fuss ceramics for daily use. He has mastered the perfect balance between beautiful and practical. Having graduated from Camberwell College of Arts and trained with Julian Stair, Billy has gone on to carve out a strong identity and client base in the world of ceramics. He has collaborated with international retailers, designers, architects, restaurants and premium brands to create products. His portfolio ranges from tableware to lighting installations. He will be presenting the Cult Ceramics Vinegar Vase at Daylesford Pimlico Road Farm Shop. This introduces the new collection of vinegar vases by Billy and tells you more about vinegar making.
Cult Ceramics Vinegar Vase Exhibition: Held Wednesday 3 May to Saturday 6 May from 8am to 8pm and on Sunday 7 May 2017 from 10am until 4pm which is free and you don’t have to book.
Demonstration: Held Thursday 4 May from 6pm to 8pm which is free and there is no need to book.
Address: Daylesford Shop, 44B Pimlico Road, Belgravia, London SW1W 8LP.
Ceramic Work by Billy Lloyd
Matthew Raw: This London based artist works in clay and uses tiles along with letters. He responds to real life accounts and looks for forms and materials to communicate his thoughts. Matthew is a founding member of Studio Manifold which is an artistic collection of RCA graduates. He also hosts the Raw Ceramic Workshops which helps people learn a range of ceramic making skills. You can see Matthew’s work at the Ragged School Museum. The CLAD exhibition showcases eight sculptural works which explore Britain’s historic relationship to craft culture and is supported by the Arts Council England.
Talk: Held Thursday 4 May from 2.00pm to 3.00pm, booking necessary £8 plus VAT.
Exhibition: Held Thursday 4 to Sunday 7 May from 10.00am to 5.00pm, no need to book and free.
Address: Ragged School Museum, 46–50 Copperfield Road, London E3 4RR.
Ceramic Work by Matthew Raw
London Craft Week International Ceramic Artist Events
Korean Ceramicists: The Korean Craft and Design Foundation is hosting an exhibition showcasing Korean ceramics called Between Serenity and Dynamism. This show will explore traditional and contemporary forms of Korean craft. You will see work from current ceramic masters alongside coveted collectables on loan from global galleries, museums and auction houses. The exhibition has been curated Hyeyoung Cho and Jungwon Park who have selected the work of 16 artists and makers. This is a fantastic opportunity to see work by Korean ceramic masters side by side with contemporary ceramicists like Lee Hun Chung known for his interpretation of the moon jar and ceramic furniture. You will also get to see a private collection of 200 Korean ceramic making tools.
Exhibition: Held Wednesday 3 May until Friday 5 May from 10am until 6pm and Saturday 6 May from 11am to 5pm, further dates after London Craft Week, use entrance on Northumberland Avenue, entrance is free and there is no need to book.
Address: Korean Cultural Centre, 1-3 Strand, London WC2N 5BW.
Ceramic Work by Lee Hun Chung
Nordic Ceramics: If you love Scandi style then you should book yourself a seat at Aquavit, the new Scandinavian restaurant which hosts a special dinner curated by Flow Gallery. You’ll get to meet some Nordic ceramicists – Maria Kristofersson, Anna Kantanen and Lars Soendergarrd. Kristofersson is a contemporary ceramic artist who says that proximity, distance lines, surfaces and textures are all important in her work. Kantanen is known for creating functional objects which people can enjoy daily and her designs are often connected to good food. Soendergarrd works within the Scandinavian tradition of design and function and works with the likes of Designers Guild and Nicole Farhi. Each designer has produced new limited edition tableware especially for this event. You will get a chance to chat over dinner and find out more about their work.
Dinner Event: Thursday 4 May from 7pm, tickets £130 and you will need to book.
Address: Aquavit, 1 Carlton Street, St James’s Market, London SW1Y4QQ.
Ceramics Work by Maria Kristofersson
London Craft Week Information
To find out more visit the London Craft Week Website. You will find listings for the events mentioned above and many more. Have a look through and you will certainly find something amazing to see and do. The locations are spread out across London and many of the events are free. Those where you need to book just click on the website which will take you to the relevant section. Get involved, go out and meet the craft makers and see their work up close. You can thank me later! Enjoy my lovelies.
Author: Homegirl London. Thanks: Neville McCarthy for sending information on request. Photographs: Courtesy of LCW and the ceramicists. Cover photograph by Lee Hun Chung.
