This marks the opening of May London Crafts Week, the capital’s annual event that champions all things handmade. One of the key supporters and hosts is Sotheby’s – this auction house may be famous The sale of a multimillion-pound art masterpieceBut with it crafted Showcase (May 11-17), is opening its doors to content-led artistic exploration. Julia Fischel, director of Sotheby’s London and member of the inaugural jury, explains that ‘We have a passion for all things to do with craftsmanship, so it seemed a natural fit to partner with London Craft Week. House and Garden Craft Prize. It’s an exciting moment for creativity in the capital, and we’re keen to have people in our galleries who might never have visited before. Crafted is a week-long celebration of all things craft that will take over almost our entire building on New Bond Street.’
Accessibility and charitable causes are key to the variety of exhibitions, which honor British artisans in a variety of mediums. Thus, FiredUp4, a charity that runs Clay Clubs ceramics classes for youth in underserved communities, is organizing two exciting activations where visitors can discover new works: Curated Ceramics features lots donated by 12 distinguished artists, including Hitomi Hosono, Felicity Ayliffe, and Kate-Malik, who are not just for charity. Contributes to her own works, but also vintage Lucy Rhee vases from her personal collection. Proceeds will go to the Clay Club, as they will perform for FiredUp4’s Secret Ceramics sale. This includes works donated anonymously by 100 artists – to be sold for a fixed price of £650 each, with the creator’s name revealed only after purchase. It’s an invitation to buy from your heart.
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Peckham-based art and design studio Intoart, which champions learning-disabled and autistic talents, presents Tékhnē, Craft Skill Knowledge, a title derived from the Greek word that describes the mix of technical, creative and conceptual knowledge that underpins craft. Bringing together eight artists, the show features weaving, embroidery, ceramics and furniture.
Other highlights include a comprehensive programme Talks and workshops Featuring leading voices in craft, culture, fashion and architecture, Asian Art/5000 Years explores ancient Chinese ceramics that have influenced the craft for millennia, and Crafted: The Fair, which showcases new work from leading galleries such as Cavallero Finn and Vessel Gallery. And in the Story Café at Sotheby’s Mayfair headquarters, art meets life in It Starts with a Cup: the display invites diners to pause and reflect on the craft objects that shape our daily reality.
In the same spirit of promoting time-honored skills, Crafted will host the inaugural House and Garden Craft Prize. It celebrates the most exciting artists working in the UK today, and emphasizes the equal importance of craft alongside other creative disciplines such as painting, sculpture and couture. Chaired by House & Garden editor Talib Chowdhury, the judging panel will announce its winner on May 11.
For more information, visit www.sothebys.com/crafted
