THE JOURNAL
Meanwhile, in 2015, craft followed the design, art and fashion worlds by getting its own week in London. Of course, there are designers who have known about
the power of craft all along. Andrew Winch of Winch Design, renowned for its work on yachts, was spotted at the Artefact private view and says: “In the 35 years since my wife, Jane, and I founded Winch Design I have had the pleasure to meet and work with some of the most talented craftspeople on the planet. Without the skill and dedication of these gifted individuals, Winch Design would not be recognised as the globally leading design studio it is today. We owe so much to the study of craftsmanship and the skill of these inspirational makers.” In fact he’s so committed that during the pandemic he
set up Under Winch’s Wing, a platform on the practice’s website that showcases the work of a band of favourite makers, including the likes of Max Bainbridge, who creates beautiful vessels in wood, ceramicist Fenella Elms and the brilliant
shoe designer Carréducker.
There also promises to be a show at Chelsea Barracks during London Craft Week in October. Natalia Miyar is another interior designer who has
long used crafted objects in her interiors: “Most of the pieces in our projects are bespoke, made by artisans, craftsmen, skilled joiners or makers,” she explains. “The homes we create for our clients are uniquely designed for them as an expression of their life so the
“ONE-OFF PIECES HAVE SOUL AND CHARACTER, THEIR IMPERFECTIONS MAKE THEM UNIQUE, WHICH IS
WHAT WE TRY TO ACHIEVE IN ALL OUR INTERIORS”
handmade factor is very important. We want our clients to feel connected to their space and the objects in it.” She believes the handmade contributes to lively, storied spaces that showcase artisanal skill and creativity. “One- off pieces have soul and character, their imperfections make them unique which is what we try to achieve in
all our interiors. The story behind them brings them to life and they carry much deeper meaning as a result.“ It’s a sentiment echoed by Martin Hulbert,
the
award-winning designer of The Grove Hotel and Barnsley House. Crafted objects, he believes, “bring individuality, personality and soul. If you find or commission a strong piece – for example, a large scale ceramic vase – they kind of command the space and help to bring an interior together. We like to use a combination of new, contemporary, antiques and found items. Our ultimate goal is to create beautiful interiors with atmosphere and these unique objects can really contribute to that.” So, it seems to me, that the Design Centre has been
prescient in launching its new show devoted to the best of making. On the micro-scale, handmade objects bring a sense of individuality to interiors. Arguably more importantly though, there can be little doubt that understanding materials, how to use them effectively, and the hugely important role they play in our lives will be vital as our climate crisis throws an ever-longer shadow. And that understanding starts with craft.
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Glass at Vessel Gallery by Karin Morch and Nina Casson McGarva. Peter Monaghan’s wall relief at Cube Gallery. Sculpture in wood by Bulgarian artist Daniel Mirchev, also at Cube Gallery. ABOVE: Cavaliero Finn showed tapestries by Katharine Swailes and ceramics by Matthew Chambers
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