Taking over four substantial spaces at this year’s Decorex, The New Craftsmen will be presenting ‘CraftHouse’, a series of interactive roomsets exploring the fundamental characteristics of what makes a home by studying the domestic rituals by which we live.
Building upon the strong anthology of British makers, materials and skills, ‘CraftHouse’ will look to reconsider and question craft and how it is used in our lives, with makers taking up residency in each room-set, contextualising them within a familiar environment and pushing them to the limits of their skills.
Recognised as a champion of contemporary British craft, Decorex is committed to providing a platform for individual craft makers/studios as it continues to meet the evolving needs of designers and specifiers working at the top end of the market. Some of the most noteworthy projects include an element of craft and interior designers are constantly drawing on this sector to commission truly bespoke work for its clients.
Room 1: Eating
Nic Webb will highlight the processes and versatility of making with clay, with the space showcasing a selection of his collectible clay vessels and functional pieces for eating and serving food, while also featuring large sculptural furniture pieces rendered in scorched wood.
Room 2: Bathing
Makers Malgorzata Bany and Jochen Holz will consider the bathing space, working in both Jesmonite and glass. Malgorzata will present a new textural range of tiles in Jesmonite and will also experiment with pigment and form to create new furniture including a console table. While Jochen will explore the possibilities of laboratory glass, showing a new lighting feature with neon gas and water pouring vessels.
Room 3: Sleeping
Combining both Pedro da Costa Felgueiras and Georgia Kemball’s passion and knowledge of historic interiors and textiles, the space will display a strong use of rich colour, texture and pattern. Pedro’s lacquers and embellishments will be crafted from hand-ground pigments and minerals, while he will also be bringing to the fore the ancient craft of lead applications. Georgia’s textiles will build upon her debut collection for The New Craftsmen, including hand-made pieces as well as launching an exclusive fabric by the metre range, in collaboration with Bristol Weaving Mill.
Room 4: Working
Serving as the studio for Crafthouse’s architect, the working area represents the hub from which all the other spaces were conceived. The studio will be encased in willow paneling hand-crafted by Hilary Burns, and braided handles by Aimee Betts, while furniture designer Gareth Neal has collaborated with basket-maker Annemarie O’Sullivan to present the third iteration of his line of chairs exclusive to The New Craftsmen.
The New Craftsmen worked with architect William Smalley to create a model of the founders’ retreat which will be on display in the workspace.
“This ambitious project – The New Craftsmen’s largest presentation to date – is all about unleashing the creativity of makers and giving them an opportunity to showcase their material fascination in a holistic environment. Each room has a completely different look and feel, but they are all united by a desire to bring material to the fore,” said Catherine Lock, Creative Director at The New Craftsmen.
“Crafthouse is an extension of the way in which our business is rapidly evolving, we are increasingly facilitating the opportunity for interior designers to play with the craft skill and an extensive material palette to realise new objects and finishes for projects. Our team have listened closely to their needs and desires and the 4 rooms offer up a whole plethora of new products, new ideas, new finishes and new inspiration,” she added.
