Chinese themed 10th London Craft Week launches
On May 13th, London celebrated the opening of the tenth annual London Craft Week. This year themed “Chinese Design: Harmony in Diversity.”
London Craft Week is known as one of the most influential cultural events in the handicraft world. The week-long gathering offers a unique platform for artisans from around the globe. It fosters a dynamic exchange of ideas, blending international and local influences with both historical and contemporary elements in a collaborative celebration of craft.
Art and Design Press organise the exhibition. The London Craft Week Organizing Committee and the Cultural Section of the Chinese Embassy in the UK supported organising the exhibition.
During the opening ceremony the Chairman and Founder of the London Craft Week, Guy Salter, shared a letter that was received from King Charles himself. In his message, King Charles extended heartfelt congratulations on the event’s 10th anniversary. He reccaled fond memories from its inauguration in 2015, which he and his wife had the honour of opening. The King lauded London Craft Week for showcasing the diverse and often hidden talents from across the globe, reflecting the vibrant energy and diversity of London. He expressed hope that the event would serve as a unifying force, bringing together artists, makers, and communities worldwide. He also hoped it would cement London’s status as a global hub of creativity and culture.
The “Chinese Design: Harmony in Diversity” exhibition was split into three main sections: clothing, pottery, and lacquerware. Complementing the exhibit, three significant lectures and workshops will take place on May 14th, 15th, and 18th. These sessions will focus on ceramics, silk, and Chinese handicrafts. They allow participants to engage directly with these crafts and broaden their understanding.
The apparel segment, “The Flower of Ethnic Costumes,” focuses on China’s ethnic minorities. It features the vibrant and diverse clothing of the Han, Miao, and Yi ethnic groups. Designers Axin and Lei Wenwen, and the innovative apparel brand Desi Jianqu, bring their clothes to life. This brand made headlines on the opening day with a fashion flash mob inspired by the national intangible cultural heritage of Xiang Yun Sha. It earned enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Anthony Bednall, the Head of the Fashion Department at Kingston University, shared his decade-long experience in Beijing and his collaborative work with Chinese artisans. He emphasized the importance of preserving traditional handicrafts within the context of modern sustainable fashion. Bednall also highlighted his partnership with Chinese fashion designer, Guape, who has worked to preserve endangered embroidery skills. He stressed the relevance of integrating cultural identity and sustainable practices into fashion education.
In pottery, ‘The Flower of Pottery Art’ section illuminates the artistry of contemporary Longquan celadon and Jizhou kiln porcelain. It contrasted folk kilns’ spontaneous creativity with the refined aesthetic of official kilns. Meanwhile, ‘The Flower of Lacquerware’ highlights pieces like ‘La(core)quer’ by Huo Yijin. He blends traditional lacquer techniques with elements like celadon and historical artefacts to reinvigorate lacquerware for practical use.
The exhibition underscores the significant role of handicrafts in poverty alleviation. Initiatives like the ‘Mother’s Needlework’ project by China Ping An Group and Art and Design Magazine. It transforms recycled clothing into exquisite handicrafts while providing local women with employment and training. This not only supports local economies but also promotes the sustainability of traditional crafts.
Together, these segments and initiatives not only celebrate the aesthetic brilliance of Chinese handicrafts but also their pivotal role in cultural preservation and social advancement, highlighting the exhibition’s contribution to fostering deeper connections and sustainable development between China and the global community.
If you liked this article why not read: Silk and Handicrafts-themed workshops at “Chinese Design: Harmony in Diversity” London Craft Week
