Handmade: A British Craft Exhibition, 22 April to 2 August, First Floor
Words by Lucia van der Post
Fortnum & Mason has always prided itself on supporting small artisanal producers who lavish love and care on everything they make.
Whether it be a hand-raised pork-pie from Lincolnshire, some lovingly stirred chutney from Wiltshire or honey from bees on its very own roof, everything it sells is the very best of its kind. So an exhibition of joyous handmade pieces, each with a story of its own to tell, fits in perfectly with all that Fortnum’s stands for. Here under one roof can be seen (and bought) some of the most inspirational, creative work currently being made by crafts people today.
'In a world where many of us already have too many things we are looking for pieces that have meaning. We want things that are truly special, that have not been churned out in their hundreds at the cheapest possible price.'
We need to have our hearts stirred. Here we find that. Each piece is singular. Whether it is Chris Keenan’s exquisite Celadon Tea set (whose heart wouldn’t lift at being served tea from that lovely teapot), Sian Matthews delicate silver “doilies”, Anna Barlow’s funky Ice Cream Cones or Kenny Menczer‘s beautiful wood sculptures each has a strong and personal statement to make.
'What I particularly love about this exhibition is that it celebrates true quality and the value of craftsmanship.'
There are some 500 hand-crafted pieces made by over fifty different British craftsmen and women and it’s wonderful to see that these skills, whether of silver-smithing, wood-turning, glass-blowing or pot-throwing, are still alive and more than well. It’s inspiring to see the tea-pot, the plate, the place mat, the glass, the bowl being endlessly re-invented, their forms and shapes refreshed. It’s lovely to find that wit and humour can turn what could be mundane, everyday things into objects of great beauty that one longs to own. What I particularly love about this exhibition is that it celebrates true quality and the value of craftsmanship. I like, too, that it invites one to ponder on the perennial delights of food and dining and why they matter, an underlying Fortnum’s proposition.
Click here to view our Craft Exhibition Brochure >
Craft Conversations at Fortnum’s
As part of the Handmade Exhibition, Fortnum & Mason is delighted to announce two exclusive customer events, wherein the featured craftsmen and women will speak about their creations, and (where possible) will demonstrate their working practices. The store will open especially between 8.30 and 10am for these Craft Conversations. Several artists will be present, and there will be plenty of time for questions about each craft. These events will close with a light breakfast in The Parlour for all those attending.
Tuesday 18 May - Kate Malone and Anna Barlow
Demand is bound to be high, so please book your places for the above dates as soon as possible by telephoning 0845 602 5694.
The following craftsmen will be exhibiting at the Handmade Exhibition:
Ceramics:
Adam Frew
Amy Cook
Andrew Wicks
Anna Barlow
Annette Bugansky
Bickett Davda
Chris Keenan
Emma Clegg
Helen Beard
Hitomi Hosono
Ikuko Iwamoto
Leach Pottery
James and Tilla Waters
Jane Cox
John Leach
Kaori Tatebayashi
Kate Malone
Katharine Morling
Louisa Taylor
Paul Scott
Robert Dawson
Rupert Spira
Viginia Grahman
Glass:
Bi-me
Gilliesjones
Glasstorm
Helen Millard
Katharine Coleman
Michael Ruh
Nancy Sutcliffe
Phil Atrill
Sam Sweet
Sheldon:Cooney
Stewart Hearn
Leather:
Sue Lowday
Silver:
Abigail Brown
Ane Christensen
Christopher Perry
Clare Ransom
Fred Rich
Grant McCaig
Jemma Daniels
Lucian Taylor
Maria Jauhiainen
Miriam Hanid
Ndidi Ekubia
Sian Mathews
Timothy Lukes
Textiles:
Donna Wilson
Eleanor Pritchard
Katy Mellor
Thornback & Peel
Weaving:
Lise Bech
Wood:
Bert Marsh
Gary Allson
Kenny Menczer
Peter Archer
Ray Key
The exhibition will be taking place on our First Floor, Monday to Saturday 10am to 8pm and Sunday 12noon to 6pm (with browsing time from 11.30am). Free admission.