We are very pleased to announce that The Future of Craft returns to Bargehouse at Oxo Tower Wharf for London Craft Week 2022 from 12-15 May 2022.
After enjoying a successful launch in 2019, this destination event will provide a vibrant and creative hub for visitors keen to experience and explore modern approaches to craft. Curated by our partners Oxo Tower Wharf, and in collaboration with Future Icons, The Future of Craft will showcase innovative, dynamic and forward-looking craft collectives, practitioners and organisations.
Across all five floors of the visually appealing, raw and industrial Bargehouse, visitors to The Future of Craft will discover new projects, installations and collaborations from over 40 pioneering makers, working in a range of craft disciplines: ceramics, furniture, interior accessories, lighting, metalwork, textiles and more. Special features include Design-Nation members Fung+Bedford, designers who create origami inspired large scale paper installations and will transform Bargehouse’s entrance, with ‘The Gathering’ installation. Cockpit Collective will present Textile + Surface, an artist-led showcase of craftspeople working within textile and surface design.
A must-see event during London Craft Week 2022, The Future of Craft will provide an insightful, interactive and intelligent exhibit, fostering learning and encouraging debate around the many approaches to craft and its future potential.
Placing an emphasis on the value of design and craft as integral to the UK’s creative and cultural legacy, Design-Nation is working to build a rich and diverse portfolio of contemporary designer–makers. At The Future of Craft, Design-Nation will present a headline showcase of brand new projects and products, spanning two rooms at Bargehouse. With an impressive line-up of craft disciplines and the participation of 16 superlative designer–makers, Design-Nation will ensure visitors experience a truly creative display of crafts, including ceramics, furniture and textiles.
Design-Nation exhibitors include Angus Ross, Anne McKenzie Botanic Calligraphic Art, Bridget Bailey, CoucouManou, Emily Jo Gibbs, Jacky Puzey Embroidery, Kira Phoenix K’inan, Kirsty Adams Ceramics, Majeda Clarke, Michèle Oberdieck, Momoka Gomi and Wolfram Lohr. A special new feature will introduce work from Design-Nation Graduate members Cathy Green Ceramics, Gunn Ceramics and The Metalsmith. Plus the exclusive installations from Fung+Bedford.
Future Icons represents a choice portfolio of design and craft-led businesses, whose collections include a fine array of interior and fashion accessories, furniture, artwork and objets d’art. At The Future of Craft, Future Icons will present a singular selection of works from 9 of its clients, all leading contemporary craft practitioners. Disciplines on display will include: ceramics, furniture, textiles, and metal, leather and paper artworks. Visitors will be able to purchase pieces from individual makers.
Future Icons exhibitors include Bronwyn Higgins; Louise Heighes; Lucie Summers; Kei Tominaga; Ikuko Iwamoto; Jo Davies; Gabriel Eden James; Judy McKenzie and Natascha Maksimovic.
Cockpit Collective, presents Textile + Surface, an artist-led showcase of eleven craftspeople working within textile and surface design. The London-based collective, who excel in material innovation and craft artistry, each tell a material story spanning a wide range of specialist crafts from natural dyeing to weaving with waste.
Cockpit Collective exhibitors include: Alicia Rowbotham; Millie Thomas; Alice Timmis; Hannah Refaat; Vicky Cowin; Ellen Williams; Anna Davies; Hannah Galvin-Horne; Kendall Clarke; Kamilah Ahmed and Sophie Graney.
More highlights to be announced soon.