Crafted: A Celebration of Craft at Sotheby's
This May, as part of London Craft Week, Sotheby's is championing craft for a week-long takeover at their New Bond Street Galleries. From 11 - 17 May expect auctions, exhibitions, talks, workshops, demonstrations and more as Sotheby's celebrates the art of craft. Designed to shine a light and deepen insight into the realm of craft of all kinds, immerse yourself in age old crafts such as thatching and ceramics.
Sold, to a good cause
In aid of FiredUp4, a charity co-founded by UK artist Kate Malone MBE that provides ceramics classes for young people at OnSide Youth Zones in some of the UK's most economically disadvantaged communities, a 'Secret Ceramics' fixed-price charity auction of anonymously donated pieces will take place. Presenting 100 ceramic works, all identically priced and sold anonymously, visitors are invited to discover pieces from established and emerging voices in contemporary ceramics including Ebony Russell, Freya Bramble Carter, Jacques Monneraud and Michel Francois.
Alongside this, Curated Ceramics brings together 12 specifically selected works by leading British ceramic artists including Lucie Rie, Pippin Drysdale, Hitomi Hosono, Felicity Aylieff and Kate Malone herself.
Curated craft
Presented by Intoart, wander around the curated exhibits dedicated to craftsmanship - featuring new craft commissioned pieces alongside their vast collection based in Peckham, immerse yourself in the word of craft. A pioneering and award winning visual arts collective, Intoart champions learning disabled and autistic people as visible, equal and established artists and designers. Highlights include woven and embroidered works by Danielle Green, Lisa Trim, Nick Fenn and Christian Ovonlen, ceramics by Clifton Wright, Mawuena Kattah and Jordon Moody, alongside furniture by Andre Williams.
In a dedicated gallery, don't miss the House & Garden shortlisted artists for their inaugural £10,000 Craft Prize, with winners announced during a ceremony and reception on the event of 11 May.
Learn & Craft
A programme of thought-provoking talks and workshops will be hosted across London Craft Week's Symposium on 13 May and at Sotheby's own Festival of Craft on 16 May. Highlights include a demonstration from Master Thatcher Joe Thornton into the traditions and beauty of thatching, a centuries old techinique that is being updated for the modern day. Traditional picture framer Derek Tanous will demonstrate the fine skills required to frame artwork to the highest of standards, as well as hands-on workshops by the Royal School of Needlework and Elvis & Kresse - expert leather crafters.
Visit Sotheby's from 11 - 17 May to experience Crafted.