The Creative Dimension Trust
Fortnum's is more than cups of tea and fully stocked hampers... although there's nothing wrong with that. We also have a long history of celebrating creativity and supporting the arts, whether it's in our wonderful windows or exhibitions throughout the building.
This autumn, we are very excited about our collaboration with The Creative Dimension Trust. Established in 2015, the trust offers online and in-venue workshops, with free tuition, to young people who wish to develop their hand skills, and their workshops range from architectural model making and enamelling to embroidery and leather working, and their workshops are taught by craft specialists who are acknowledged leaders in their professions.
The goal of these courses is to learn, experiment, gain confidence, take inspiration from the best, and have exposure to careers. In fact, TCDT runs 40 workshops per year and has taught over 70 different skills to thousands of young people.
We have invited a special group of students to create a display at our Piccadilly home!
Behind the Display
This year's display marks our sixth corner window collaboration with the Creative Dimension Trust and celebrates the remarkable craftsmanship of eight students, aged 16–19, who took part in The Creative Dimension Trust's Summer Historical Puppet Making Workshop.
Led by theatrical costumier Susie Vickery, whose career spans more than twenty years in theatre and costume design across the UK and Australia, the workshop invited students to create fully articulated puppets inspired by the wonderful historical figures that greet visitors inside Fortnum's - the iconic characters behind the famous clock and those displayed at the foot of our magnificent staircase. From sculpting expressive faces to designing period costumes, hairstyles and articulated joints, every puppet is entirely handcrafted and reflects the amazing talent of their young students.
Penny Bendall
Penny Bendall is the CEO of the Trust, who is a ceramics conservator and holder of a Royal Warrant by appointment to The late Queen Elizabeth II. She also works with museums and auction houses including The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, the Sir John Soane’s Museum, Christie’s, and Sotheby’s. We spoke to her about this exciting project, asking her about all the talented students as well as the future of the trust.
Why do you think this project, as well as The Creative Dimension Trust, is so important?
Fortnum & Mason is an iconic store in the centre of London and has some of the best window displays in the world. For TCDT to be given the opportunity to display students work at Fortnum’s is simply incredible and demonstrates what The Creative Dimension Trust is aiming to achieve – young people from less advantaged backgrounds working with world class tutors producing wonderful objects! It’s clear from the students’ feedback that they absolutely love it.
Why is the partnership between Fortnum's and The Creative Dimension Trust so important?
Our partnership with Fortnum & Mason is incredibly special because it offers young people opportunities that are both inspiring and genuinely life-changing. Seeing their work displayed in the windows of one of Britain's most iconic stores gives our students the confidence to believe that their creativity belongs on a world-class stage. The relationship extends far beyond the annual window display. Together we've created workshops, work experience opportunities and creative projects that introduce young people to the world of heritage craft, design and luxury retail. Over six years, Fortnum's has become a valued creative partner, helping us nurture emerging talent while celebrating the importance of exceptional craftsmanship.
What impact has the project had on the students?
Fortnum & Mason has given TCDT students an opportunity they would never have dreamed of. Some have never visited London before and many would not have been to Fortnum’s. They are incredibly excited, and they will all be sent images of the window to add to their portfolio. It will make them very proud! The project has had a great impact on the students' confidence and ambition. Many arrived with little or no experience of puppet making, yet by the end of the workshop they had designed and constructed highly individual puppets using professional techniques. Beyond learning practical skills, they experienced the discipline of working to a creative brief, collaborating with an industry expert, and seeing their finished work unveiled in a prestigious public setting. That sense of pride and achievement is something they will carry into future education and creative careers.
What do you hope visitors take away from the display?
Fortnum & Mason is a place that so many people associate with joy. From the moment you walk through its doors, there is a sense of magic, wonder and celebration, and we wanted this window to capture a little of that feeling. We hope everyone walking past the display can't help but smile. Beyond the charming historical characters, we hope visitors discover that every puppet has been lovingly created by a talented young person, and leave feeling inspired by the imagination, skill and creativity of the next generation of makers.
If you could pick a course, which one would you choose?
Puppet making – it’s an incredible workshop bringing everything to life!
Finally, we have to ask: what is your favourite thing from Fortnum’s?
Fortnum’s honey! Followed closely by Chocolate Florentines. So difficult to choose!
Inspiration
Discover The Journal, home to a host of our most delicious stories.
The Art of the Hamper Windows
This Month at Piccadilly