London Craft Week - ten makers to watch
London Craft Week offers a unique opportunity to witness these makers demonstrating their skills and sharing insights into their creative processes. Though each works in different materials and traditions, all share a commitment to excellence and authenticity that defines true craftsmanship. During this year's event, I've been researching standout craftspeople whose work exemplifies both traditional techniques and innovative approaches. Here are eight makers whose studios and demonstrations should be on your radar.
1. MICHAEL RUH STUDIO - THE ART OF GLASSBLOWING
Michael's signature hand-blown glass vessels with their subtle color transitions showcase the delicate precision of this ancient craft with a contemporary twist. His studio practice demonstrates how controlled breathing and steady hands can transform molten material into objects of extraordinary refinement.
Photo credit: @michaelruhstudio
2. Botanical inks - sustainable textiles
Founder Babs Behan's workshop on plant-based textile dyeing demonstrates how traditional knowledge can create sustainable alternatives to synthetic dyes while producing stunning color palettes. Her commitment to teaching these techniques helps ensure these environmentally friendly practices continue to spread throughout the textile community.
Photo credit: @botanicalinks
3. florian gadsby - contemporary ceramics
This young potter, who trained in Japan, brings Eastern techniques to his London studio. His throwing demonstrations reveal the discipline and precision behind his minimalist ceramic pieces, while his thoughtful documentation of his process on social media has helped demystify this ancient craft for a new generation.
Photo credit: @floriangadsby
4. LPOL - artisanal leatherwork
Founders Katy and John create luxury leather goods entirely in their East Sussex workshop. Their commitment to locally sourced materials and zero-waste practices is revolutionising British leathercraft, proving that ethical production and luxurious quality can coexist harmoniously.
Photo credit: www.lpol.co.uk
5. CHristabel balfour - handwoven textiles
Christabel’s giant loom creates magnificent wall hangings and rugs that blend traditional weaving techniques with bold, contemporary designs. The architectural quality of her work transforms textile from decoration to structural statement, challenging our perceptions of what woven material can become.
Photo credit: @christabelbalfour
6. SeBASTIAN COX - HERITAGE FURNITURE MAKING
His workshop combines traditional woodworking techniques with sustainable forestry practices, creating pieces that honour the natural characteristics of British timber. Cox's philosophy of working with "understory" timber gives new life to often overlooked wood varieties, expanding our material vocabulary beyond the expected.
Photo credit: @sebastiancoxltd
7. CASTRO SMITH - CONTEMPORARY JEWELLERY
This engraver and ring-maker combines Japanese metalworking techniques with British signet ring traditions, creating intricate narrative pieces that tell stories through metal. His microscopic detailing requires such precision that each piece becomes a miniature world, inviting careful examination and revealing new details with each viewing.
Photo credit: @castrosmith
8. THORNBACK & PEEL - TRADITIONAL PRINTMAKING
Their hand-screen-printed textiles and homeware showcase how traditional printing techniques can create whimsical, distinctly British designs with contemporary appeal. Their playful imagery manages to be both nostalgic and fresh, demonstrating how craft can preserve cultural memory while remaining relevant to modern interiors.
Photo credit: @thornbackandpeel
9. Forest + found - sculptural woodwork
This partnership between Max Bainbridge and Abigail Booth transforms foraged and salvaged wood into sculptural objects that blur the line between craft and fine art. Their process honours the natural characteristics of each piece of wood, allowing the material to guide their interventions while creating works that feel both ancient and distinctly contemporary. Their thoughtful approach to materiality demonstrates how craft can engage with environmental stewardship.
Photo credit: @forest.and.found
10. HELEN BEARD CERAMICS - NARRATIVE POTTERY
Helen Beard's hand-painted ceramics capture moments of daily life with whimsical illustration and delicate brushwork. Her distinctive style transforms functional tableware into storytelling canvases, populated with charming vignettes that reward close inspection. Her ability to balance technical skill in throwing with artistic expression in decoration showcases how traditional pottery can become a medium for personal narrative and observation.
Photo credit: @helenbeardceramics
