On Wednesday night during the round of press shows, we stopped by at Chelsea Old Town Hall for some business and pleasure at Handmade in Britain. The town hall was built in 1887 and is a glorious example of Victorian architecture taking pride of place on the famous Kings Road. It’s now used for VIP banquets and Antiques fairs and was the ideal setting for this lovely event on a November evening.
Handmade in Britain aims to promote talented designers and makers who produce their work in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. On display were a multitude of disciplines in furniture, textiles, jewellery and ceramics.
Jewellery maker Rachel McKnight from Belfast showed off a new home accessories extension of her collection. I loved these bright acrylic coasters spelling out clever graphic words, and her beautiful laser cut doilies in black white and neon colours.
Lots of beautiful ceramics as usual, and one of my favourites Tina Vlassopulos was exhibiting too!
London Kills Me had some intriguing ’slateware’ on their stall, in the form of beautifully chalked plant tags, coasters and door numbers, and also wonderfully original cushions. My favourite was the black and white people cushion!
Some seriously covetable furniture from ME Design was on display [wish I had taken more pictures now].
I found another great illustrator to add to my list – Ashley Thomas who creates ‘conversational interiors accessories’ to make art and illustration more usable within the home. Her wallpaper, art prints, cushions and linen purses all come adorned with eccentric collages of curious animals and pretty objects, like teacups and old telephones. Her work is definitely worth a closer look as each time, you see something different and surprising!
Finally one of my favorite discoveries that I revealed all too soon yesterday - Fiona Douglas and her exquisite floral textiles – straight on the wishlist!
Made in Britain @ The Dock
Danish Ceramics
Please use a coaster…
