The image above is cheating a little for the opening shot, as it was actually taken as Mr M and I enjoyed a well-deserved glass of red or 6 in The Real Greek after we’d wandered around Origin 2011, the Contemporary Craft Fair held annually and this year within the vibrant and buzzing Old Spitalfields Market. I’d never been before but enjoy Manchester’s version, the GNCCF, each October and after Origin’s inclusion into the London Design Festival last year, wanted to check it out.
As with most contemporary craft fairs there was a lot of jewellery, which doesn’t really do it for me, but I spotted some interesting finds on the interiors front. Origin isn’t cutting edge design like Tent / Designersblock or jam packed with high end interiors like Decorex, but if you love individually made craft, designed with love and care, bespoke items made by gifted individuals and often unique pieces at affordable prices, it’s a perfect few hours to while away a late September afternoon.
I’d seen & liked Sophie Woodrow‘s work before but didn’t realise that until after I’d come home and processed my photos, just goes to show that her work remains eye-catching and unusual to not only me but all the others taking a close look at her enigmatic porcelain animals with their delicate surface textures and distinctive feel. I think they’re quite magical.
These suspended metallic vessels designed and made by silversmith Angela Cork were beautifully balanced and created a really striking grouped display. Unusual to have hanging vases of metal rather than ceramic or glass too, very sculptural but softened by their floral contents.
Rebecca J Coles‘ work on her hand cut paper silhouette artwork was stunning in both it’s intricacy and appearance of simplicity. When you look closely, realising all the butterflies are different and just how much work has gone into each piece…. that’s a girl with patience! You can see why Rebecca calls her work a ‘labour of love’ and I especially liked the black and fawn framed one above.
Butterflies are popular through interiors at the moment and the theme carried through into this pretty hand-crafted ceramic made by London based Timea Sido. The method of working is unusual in that delicate lines of earthenware clay are layered to produce the filigree pattern and this pattern repeats though the Tangled Web collection, I think I may treat myself to one of the tea-light holders, they are truly gorgeous!
These delightfully funky candlesticks by Shropshire based Victoria Delany are a fab blend of old & new and strong craftsman techniques underscore the playful modern design. She likes to use metal, timber and strong colour to recreate traditional items and I love that she wants to evoke ‘a smile’ from people with her work, she certainly did from Team Moregeous.
More vibrant colour was evident on this Home Sweet Home piece to which I was drawn on artist Debbie Smyth‘s stand, although granted her work is usually more monochrome. Maybe I was feeling homesick after 5 days at #LDF2011…. I saw her work at GNCCF and fell a little in love with it’s cleverness then, thinking this would make a great Xmas pressie for Mr M!
More tomorrow…. x
Leave a Reply