In the heart of Mayfair, opposite The Connaught no less, sits a beautiful town house – No5. Carlos Place – which is hosting a rather fantastic showcase of all things handmade, courtesy of newly founded champion of British craft: The New Craftsmen.
The collection showcases some of the best in contemporary British craft, and includes homewares, furniture, ceramics and accessories by some 30 designer/makers. It’s not your typical collection either. The New Craftsmen have searched high and low to bring together a unique and eclectic array of goodies, that focus upon locally crafted materials. Founded by industry experts Mark Henderson, Natalie Melton and Catherine Lock – the fledgling team have created a business plan to discover, champion and sell luxury and personable products.
Running until 15th December, the pop-up (a permanent residence is due in 2013) not only offers visitors the opportunity to buy items from just £22, it also offers workshops and bespoke made-to-order items such as The Orkney Chair by Gareth Neal and Kevin Gauld. Having wandered around the townhouse, I found myself wanting to give a new home to pretty much all of it. Contemporary, sustainable and long lasting, some of my favourites include Cameron Short’s nature inspired hand-block printed wallpaper, Sophie Woodrow’s imaginative and charming porcelain figurines and Mr Smith’s typographical letter-press prints. Ndidi Ekubia’s hammered silverwear, Billy Lloyd’s ceramics and Charlotte Linton’s printed textiles all embed a deep sense of traditional craft with contemporary and charming designs too.
A key part of this collection is the personable environment that the products are set in. A house to home, you can touch and really engage with the surroundings. But it’s not just another Christmas pop-up about buying unique gifts for you or your loved ones, it’s a temporary home to a young community of makers who are keeping the art of each craft from dying out.
Gareth Neal and Kevin Gauld,
Photo © We Heart
Eriskay Ponies Scarf by Charlotte Linton,
Photograph, Tif Hunter
The New Craftsmen,
Photo © We Heart
Sophie Woodrow,
Photo © We Heart
Wine Goblets by Ndidi Ekubia,
Photograph, Tif Hunter
Spoons by Nic Webb,
Photograph, Tif Hunter
The New Craftsmen,
Photo © We Heart
Mr Smith’s Letterpress,
Photo © We Heart
Sophie Woodrow,
Photo © We Heart
The New Craftsmen,
Photo © We Heart
Gareth Neal and Kevin Gauld,
Photo © We Heart
The New Craftsmen,
Photograph, Tif Hunter
Cameron Short Wallpaper,
Photo © We Heart
