The Art of the Hamper | Piccadilly Window Displays
In the centuries since we packed our first, we’ve learned that creating the perfect hamper is an art, not an exact science — and every detail matters.
Inspired to make that maxim manifest in the most eye-catching way imaginable, we asked eight fine artists to recreate our most famous creation in their own style, using a sustainable raw material other than our iconic wicker.
Go behind the scenes and meet the artists who have created the works, discover their inspirations and motivations, and join us as we celebrate this window-wide display of extraordinary human creativity. Long live the Fortnum’s hamper!
Alicja Kozłowska – Textiles
A Polish artist and designer recognised for her innovative approach to textile art and embroidery, Alicja’s work with artquilt and embroidery began in 2017.
In the years since, she has transformed myriad familiar objects into textile forms that explore their social and cultural significance, revealing the hidden beauty and creative potential of the ordinary. Inspired by consumer culture, everyday life, and Pop Art, her works can now be found in prestigious galleries and museums around the world.
“I am drawn to textiles and all the needlework techniques because of their tactile and intimate nature," says Alicja. "In my opinion, they break the boundaries between the viewer and the artwork. Working with fabrics allows me to create meaningful works, combining craftsmanship with contemporary expression.
”It means so much to work with Fortnum & Mason, and to share my artistic vision by reimagining something as iconic as a Fortnum's hamper. I am excited to bring my creativity to such a celebrated piece, and to explore its heritage, and character through a new artistic perspective.”
Tom Waugh – Stone and Marble
A British artist known for his classical marble carving and distinctive use of Hyperrealism, Tom Waugh’s sculptures merge traditional stonecarving techniques with contemporary themes.
Transforming hard and unforgiving raw materials into forms that appear soft, crumpled – or in our case, woven from wicker – Tom’s work creates material contradictions that trick the senses, and invite us to take a closer look at the details of everyday objects.
After training in Architectural Stone Carving at the City & Guilds of London Art School, Tom has exhibited widely across the UK and the United States – his recent exhibitions include a solo show at Messums in Mayfair and a group exhibition in Miami with LVMH.
“I’ve worked with stone and marble for over 25 years, beginning as a labourer on a Bristol church restoration before formal training led to carving for Windsor Castle and St Paul’s Cathedral. I’m driven by the material’s history, tradition, and the expressive forms possible in such a demanding medium," says Tom.
“I’m genuinely thrilled to be selected for this opportunity. The brief aligns closely with my practice, making this project an ideal fit. The building, its location, and Fortnum’s reputation for supporting artists really makes the commission especially meaningful.”
Michelle Wibowo – Food
Born in Indonesia and based in Sussex, artist Michelle Wibowo is renowned around the world for creating hyper-realistic food art, intricate sugar sculptures, and large-scale edible installations utilising innovative, non-perishable food materials.
Originally trained in architecture before graduating from London’s National Bakery School, her work bridges the gap between structural design and fine edible art, and as well as winning multiple Gold and Silver medals at the Culinary Olympics, she has seen her work – which includes detailed architectural landmarks sculpted from sugar, cake, and gingerbread, and larger-than-life portraits made from coffee beans and confectioner – exhibited around the world, including at London’s Victoria & Albert Museum.
“What captivates me about the mediums I use is their remarkable versatility,” says Michelle. “They allow me to challenge the boundaries of traditional fine art materials while simultaneously repurposing expired food that would otherwise go to waste, transforming everyday elements into enduring art.
“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to bring my blend of architectural precision and sugar craftsmanship to Fortnum & Mason’s window displays. Challenging myself to recreate Fortnum’s iconic hamper using sugar and making it look as realistic as possible has been such a rewarding journey, and I really hope this work sparks people's imaginations and inspires others to push the boundaries of what’s possible with everyday materials.”
Jethro Crabb – Wax
An internationally renowned figurative sculptor with a strong interest in depicting the human form, Jethro Crabb’s distinctive sense of design is evident in his highly-stylised bronze public sculpture, realistic portrait sculptures, wax figures – and now, his wax-formed Fortnum's wicker.
As well as creating a landmark bronze figurative sculpture for the town of Scarborough in Yorkshire, and a series of ten bronze sculptures for The Official Formula 1 Exhibition, he has also produced a bronze bust of Queen Elizabeth II which can be found at Palace Chapel in Armagh, Northern Ireland.
“Wax is an important material in my work for two reasons,” says Jethro. “It’s a crucial stage in the process of creating bronze casts, and I also use wax for highly realistic portrait sculptures. Its ability to be melted and cast into any form – and its beautiful translucency – make it the ideal material for realistic sculptures.
“It is a wonderful honour to be chosen as a featured artist alongside such incredible talent for one of Fortnum & Mason’s iconic window displays. I love how Fortnum’s are using their prominence to highlight and support the work of artists – handmade art needs all the support it can get, so I am very grateful for this opportunity.”
Arthur Mamou-Mani – Bio-based & recycled materials
A Franco-British architect, designer and founder of both Mamou-Mani Architects and the circular fabrication company FabPub, Arthur Mamou-Mani's award-winning work brings together architecture, craft, computational design and large-scale 3D printing to create joyful, locally fabricated and regenerative forms of construction.
The recipient of the 2020 Pierre Cardin Prize for Architecture from the Académie des beaux-arts and a lecturer at the University of Westminster, Arthur is already renowned at Fortnum’s for his exceptional design work in our 3rd floor bar, 3’6, and for creating the trophies for our annual Food & Drink Awards.
“I specialise in large-scale 3D printing with bio-based and recycled materials,” says Arthur.
“And what excites me is the ability to transform a simple material into something intricate, expressive and unexpected, while producing locally, reducing waste and designing each element so that it can be reused or transformed again.
“Having already worked with Fortnum’s, this feels like a meaningful continuation of our relationship. Fortnum’s began with William Fortnum’s ingenuity, transforming Queen Anne’s candle remnants into a new enterprise, and I’m honoured to carry that spirit of innovation into its iconic windows.”
Andrew Pearson – Woodcarving
Andrew Pearson’s woodcarving journey began in 1989, with a degree in 3-Dimensional Design at Wolverhampton School of Art – and truly began to flourish when he moved to Ludlow in 1992.
Surrounded by a wealthy medieval architecture and carved details, he developed a style of work influenced by the figurative, narrative, humorous, satirical, amazing work that he saw almost daily in the town.
In the wake of the 1992 fire at Windsor Castle, he worked on the restoration of two rooms of the restoration. In the decades since, he has undertaken many private commissions, and seen his sculptures exhibited alongside the likes of Damien Hirst and David Colwell.
“I love the associations that come with carved oak: English, Medieval, Gothic, Ecclesiastical, Ancient. It’s also a material that gets better with age," says Andrew.
“I am delighted to be chosen for this opportunity at Fortnum & Mason because it’s a chance to make an exciting piece of work which will be seen by such a wide audience in such a fabulous setting, among an array of the highest quality work.”
Ben Twiston-Davies – Clay
A former TV news reporter turned fine artist, Ben's work is the result of patient craftmanship, extraordinary creative talent – and a celebration of the enduring beauty and versatility of one of mankind's oldest artistic materials.
"Clay is the most subtle and beguiling material for a sculptor, and endlessly expressive. It is for sculptors what oil paint is for painters, This project is a particular joy as I am able to leave the clay object as clay. In itself, it's a beautiful material," says Ben.
"But most of all, I am just so pleased to be making a sculpture for Fortnum and Mason. I remember being taken there for tea when I was a young boy by my great aunt which was very exciting.
"It is of course the most iconic food shop in the UK - the world? - and I love good food. The Piccadilly location and the grand window that the sculpture will be displayed in – each are a dream for an artist, and I am very proud to have been selected for this commission."
Chris Zammit – Chocolate
Award-winning chocolatier, pastry chef and co-founder of Sweet BakeArt, Chris Zammit’s work combines traditional chocolatier craftsmanship with contemporary design, using chocolate as both a flavour and a highly versatile artistic medium.
From refined bonbons and luxury destinations to sculptural chocolate pieces, bespoke moulded creations and large-scale commercial developments, Chris is known for translating ideas into distinctive, technically accomplished pieces.
“Chocolate can be moulded, sculpted, textured and transformed into almost anything, allowing me to bring together craftsmanship, creativity and technical skill in one medium,” says Chris.
“For non-edible display pieces like this one, we recycle and reuse chocolate wherever possible – it doesn’t compromise the craft, the detail or the visual impact of the finished piece, and it cuts down on unnecessary waste, which can only be a good thing.
"In fact, the chocolate used to create this showpiece has its own unique history. It was originally used to make a sculpture of ‘The Mimic’ for the Call of Duty video game series, and has now been carefully reclaimed and repurposed for this project.
“To be chosen to create a chocolate showpiece for a Fortnum & Mason window is an incredible honour. It is a unique opportunity to combine craftsmanship, creativity and storytelling for one of Britain’s most iconic luxury destinations, and to present chocolate as a true artistic medium.”
