The Future of Craft

The Future of Craft exhibition will return to Bargehouse at Oxo Tower Wharf from 30 April–3 May 2020, as part of this year’s London Craft Week. 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 Oxo Tower Wharf, and in collaboration with Design-Nation and 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 pioneering makers, working in a range of craft disciplines: ceramics, furniture, interior accessories, lighting, metalwork, textiles and more. Makers House, a creative community project, will transform Bargehouse’s entrance, with its ‘Material Stories’ installation. Yodomo, a venture that promotes experiential learning, will host a series of hands-on workshops, taught by independent artists and makers. This year they will be focusing on experiences around recycling materials, upcycling and repair, and considering how crafts skills can contribute to more sustainable lifestyles. Birmingham-based Craftspace will show an exhibition of contemporary Birmingham metalwork. And throughout The Future of Craft’s four days, a programme of free talks, with hot topics and expert panellists, will engage visitors.

A must-see event during London Craft Week 2020, 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.

The Future of Craft: collaborators and exhibitions

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 twenty-three superlative designer–makers, Design-Nation will ensure visitors experience a truly creative display of crafts, including ceramics, furniture, lighting and textiles.

Design-Nation exhibitors include Alan Oliver, Caroline Egleston, Coucou Manou, Darren Ball, Jacky Oliver, Jacky Puzey, Lucy MacDonald, Nick Rawcliffe, Pamela Print, Rachel Fitzpatrick and Wolfram Lohr. A special new feature will introduce work from Design-Nation graduate members Darren Appiagyei, Morgan Stockton and Suzanne Seed. Plus exclusive installations from Fung & Bedford, Margo Selby and Linda Bloomfield.

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 eighteen of its clients, all leading contemporary craft practitioners. Disciplines on display will include: ceramics, furniture, lighting, textiles, and metal, leather and paper artworks. Visitors will be able to purchase pieces from individual makers.

Future Icons exhibitors include Judy McKenzie MA RCA, Remy Dubibe Laurent Peacock, RHMB, Unit 3, Kei Tominaga MA, Rebecca Knott, Kate Lewis, Janine Partington, Louise Heighes, Claire Coles, Elizabeth Ashdown, Katja Angeli, Lee Borthwick, Pipet Design and Zuzana Lalikova.

A creative community project, Makers House creates exhibitions and events where designers meet, collaborate and connect with new audiences. ‘Connection’ is a core principle for Makers House: creating a connection to products, materials, and the processes and people behind them. At The Futur