Top picks for London Craft Week 2021

Across the capital we’re celebrating London Craft Week, an innovative festival of artistic creativity. The annual fair is normally held in May, but it has been well worth the wait, with over 250 makers participating in events all over London. From exhibitions to installations, panel discussions to open studios, we’ve got the inside scoop on which ceramics, textiles, woodwork (and more!) to catch this weekend.

Crafting a Difference

FREE, Argentine Ambassador’s Residence, London

Our top pick for London Craft Week this year, the Crafting a Difference exhibition has got it all – the display features over 200 craft objects in wood, glass, metal, textiles, ceramics and paper. Behind this extensive showcase are 30 artists from Cavaliero Finn, jaggedart, MADEINBRITALY, Ting-Ying Gallery and Vessel Gallery, two of which you have a chance to meet this weekend. Hear sculptor Denise de Cordova and ceramicist Ashraf Hanna discuss their work from the opulent residence of the Argentine Ambassador (designed by Thomas Cubitt).

Book your free place here

The Heritage Crafts Association Red List of Endangered Crafts

FREE, Fortnum & Mason, London

Addressing the HCA’s recent piece of research on endangered crafts, this week Fortnum & Mason is dedicating its displays to insights and images of practices at threat of extinction – ideal for anyone who likes a fun fact alongside their window shopping.

Book your free place here

Meet the Maker Demonstration Weekend at the Barbican

FREE, Barbican Centre, London

Stop by everyone’s favourite brutalist cultural centre for a meet the maker session this weekend at the Barbican shop. On Saturday, artist and printmaker Jamie Temple will be demonstrating how to create the texture and layers found in his abstract prints using paint and lino blocks. The following day, terrazzo queen Daniela Rubino will be showing us all how to use the Eco Resin she uses to craft her furniture and homewares.

Book your free place here

Outside In: Natural Materials in Contemporary Design and Art

FREE, Sarah Myerscough Gallery, London

Over 25 artists have come together for this exhibition in Belgravia that celebrates craft practices defined by considered, ethical choices. Focusing on natural materials, the display is a dedication to our desire to reconnect with the outside world.

Book your free place here

The Mills Fabrica Prototyping Lab

FREE, The Mills Fabrica, London

Usually only open to its members, this maker’s lab is hosting an open house this weekend to present its material experimentation and innovative manufacturing technology to the public.

Find out more here

Maker’s Eye: Stories of Craft

FREE, Crafts Council Gallery (until Saturday 9th)

On until Saturday, Maker’s Eye: Stories of Craft celebrates the breadth and diversity of craft through a curated selection of more than 230 objects made in the UK over last 50 years. A selection of makers were invited to choose objects in response to the question ‘What does craft look like and mean to you?’

Find out more here

Design-Nation presents ‘Multi-Talented’

FREE, Online

If you won’t have time to make it out and about (and you’ve actually been quite enjoying taking in culture from the comfort of your sofa), check out Design-Nation’s programme of digital talks and events. Each recording from this week will be accessible online for free.

Find out more here

LCW x Rue Pigalle Curated Walks

FROM £95.00, Oxo Tower to Peckham Arches, London

If even our selection seems like too much choice and you’ve got some cash to splash, why not hand over to Rue Pigalle who are hosting guided walks? On your Sunday route you’ll get to meet recent RCA textiles graduates, visit ceramics from Leach Pottery, and enjoy a talk with ceramicist Toni Losey and jeweller Claudia Lepik.

Find out more here