Great Britain is a paradise for artisans, craft and design. Proof of this is the Handmade Britain Kew fair, one of the most prestigious events dedicated to local makers. For more than a decade, annual fairs have been held in Chelsea, Edinburgh, Oxford and recently at Kew Royale Gardens. We did not want to lose it, so we have attended this last fair. In today’s post we explain our experience in this magical place, where combine know-how, contemporary art and nature.
Handmade Britain Fair Kew Gardens
The Handmade Britain Kew fair has been held from October 4 to 7 in the interior of the Kew Royal Gardens, a Victorian park with more than 120 hectares. It is a fair with paid access (£ 17 / adult), but the entrance also includes a visit to the gardens. Although more than one this takes away the interest, it should be known that it is the same price as the general park ticket.
The fair has a conventional style, with stands joined together and separated only by side panels. Although all space is white, clean and new, we have missed something more charisma -and originality-. In fact, it contrasts with the rest of the garden, full of greenhouses and historic buildings. Of course, the decoration did not eclipse the real protagonist: handmade products.
With around 150 exhibitors, it is a fair where we find a wide variety of artisans. Jewellers abounded who delicately work with gold, silver, natural pearls and diamonds. There was also a wide variety of ceramics, both functional and decorative. And of course, furniture made with the best woods, painters and illustrators, as well as nice fabrics made with wool from Scotland.
Regarding the profile of the visitor, we find both individuals and professionals. It should be noted the presence of architects and interior designers, interested in decorative objects of design and luxury. Although it is a generalist fair and the prices can vary a lot, these are at a medium-high level. In fact, the price of the entrance is a first public filter.
Art & Craft
Among the crowd of Handmade Britain Kew participants of this edition, we have selected some artisans and artists who have stood out for their originality, detail and good taste:
– Corrie Bain
Originally from Scotland, with studies in Athens, New York and South Korea, Corrie is an artist who leaves us speechless. Her works made of porcelain are related to an exploration of the organic movement. Natural forms, circles and curves are always present in her works. Their designs remind us of the growth of seeds, with a certain oriental atmosphere. She currently combines her artistic vocation as a teacher at the Torn school in Barcelona.
– Piccolpasso
Piccolpasso is the name of the tiles by Caroline Egleston. In them it combines a language of prints, colours and geometric shapes that allow generating multiple combinations. The union of its tiles creates an artistic and decorative dynamism, which give life to any wall of the house. Without a doubt, it has been one of the best discoveries of this edition of Handmade Britain Kew.
– Emily May
Emily May is a charming contemporary illustrator. Creative by nature, it applies its unique designs to various supports. They emphasize their silk scarfs, full of colour, with drawings and prints that show details of daily life with a very trendy finish. In her professional career, she has collaborated with great fashion firms applying her illustrations. In addition, she has exhibited her exquisite handkerchiefs in galleries throughout the United Kingdom. It was a pleasure to talk with her, who with all the attention of the world explained the origin of some designs.
– Giles Kozdon
Giles Kozdon is a jeweller artist with an incredible technique to work with silver. We have been surprised by their chandeliers, with contemporary and elegant shapes. The combination of silver, wood and certain details in gold, give a glamorous and very decorative image.
In its realization it contributes a high level of engineering to its designs. He uses CAD programs in 2D and 3D, combined with traditional methods to obtain a finish of the best quality. All an example of crafts 2.0.
Featured image from Cosmin Ciofirdel – Ceramics Sculpture Studio
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