Events

From the 6-11 and 13-18 October 2009 the Crafts Council presents the fourth Origin: the London Craft Fair at Somerset House. Origin provides a unique opportunity to buy some of the finest contemporary craft directly from the people who make it, and all under one roof.

Around 300 makers from 18 different countries will be at Origin. Ceramics, textiles, glass, furniture, metalwork and jewellery are amongst the crafts on sale and work ranges from functional tableware and sculptural glassware to classic knitwear and innovative jewellery and millinery.

Origin will present a programme of events with a focus on contemporary basketry this year to coincide with the appointment of basketmaker Mary Butcher as the second Crafts Council and V&A maker-in-residence. There will be a series of curated interventions throughout the pavilion and an interactive and ambitious installation to challenge perceptions of this craft form.

Each week Origin showcases the work of 150 different makers in a bespoke pavilion situated in the Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court at Somerset House. The pavilion provides a light and stylish environment in which to see and buy the thousands of objects on offer. Work by established makers such as Angela Cork, Grainne Morton, David Poston and Kaori Tatebayashi will share the space with a new generation of makers including Michelle Aked, Hans Borgonjon, Claire Loder and Christian O’Reilly; all recipients of the prestigious Crafts Council Development Award in 2008. Makers this year include;

• Yu Jordy Fu whose paper-cut ‘Cloud’ lampshades create dream-like landscapes for the home.
• Jewellery duo Tithi & Nutre who have designed ‘All Year Rings’; a laser-engraved fine paper calendar that contains 12 flower-shaped rings that can be made up and worn.
• Jo Davies who creates plain monochrome vessels each with a signature swirl of ceramic ribbon around the necks and rims.
• Joseph Harrington whose sculptural glass pieces are cast from melting ice sculptures to produce ethereal and transient objects.
• Helena Vaari who uses embroidery and textile collage to create textiles that look like pastel drawings.
• Lisa Tilley of U Old bag! who covers vintage suitcases with her own textile designs and vintage materials to create bespoke bags and jewellery boxes.

Engage with contemporary craft at Origin 2009; buy and commission directly from makers, to see exciting conceptual site-specific work, and learn more about craft through talks and demonstrations.