Crafted: Makers of the Exceptional

Sponsor content by Kate Burnett in News & Noteworthy

Here at The Art of Bespoke we naturally have an appreciation of the exceptional, of beautiful things – which means we can’t wait to visit Crafted: Makers of the Exceptional.

“The aim is to equip these supremely talented craftspeople with the business acumen to secure their future, while introducing them to those luxury professionals that are so in need of their skills.”

Over three days (from Thursday 4 to Saturday 6 April) visitors to the West Wing of London’s Somerset House can see some of our most talented artisans at work. Entry is free of charge thanks to the sponsorship of Swiss company Vacheron Constantin which is hosting similar events on the same dates in France, Italy, Switzerland and Spain. The London event will offer visitors the chance to see the very best craftsmanship at close hand in workshop spaces which will be recreated in Somerset House’s West Wing. These presentations tell the story behind each stage of the craft-making creative process – from raw material to finished work.

The focus is on the people as well as the products with live demonstrations and chances to meet the makers expressed in four themes: A Craft Perfected; A Tradition Preserved; A Life Devoted and A Business Nurtured. Among the artisans with particular relevance to interiors are glassblowers Rothschild & Bickers, textile artist Ptolemy Mann; Sophie Coryndon, a specialist in decorative finishes and restoration; Edmund Stephen’s furniture making workhop Shawstephens, and Scottish furniture maker Angus Ross. These will be joined by one of Vacheron Constantin’s own watchmakers, Selynn Blanchett, who will be painstakingly assembling a timepiece over the three days of the event.

From hand-stitching leather to intricate metalwork, expert craftsmanship and beautiful materials are the essential elements that define all luxury goods. Protecting these skills is the mission of Walpole British Luxury which claims that ‘traditional skills are often forgotten and overlooked in an era of digital design and mass production – and as such need to be protected and promoted to ensure their longevity. In turn, these skills will ensure the success of an industry built on the quality of its products.’

Crafted: Makers of the Exceptional was founded four years ago and each year the programme takes up to 10 craftmakers on a journey of mentorship – pairing them with experts from the craft and luxury sectors and developing their skills through a series of workshops and coaching. “The aim is to equip these supremely talented craftspeople with the business acumen to secure their future, while introducing them to those luxury professionals that are so in need of their skills,” says Walpole, and for three days at Somerset House we get to see exactly what they mean – and make.

To find our more about Crafted: Makers of the Exceptional visit www.craftedshowcase.co.uk