As October ushers in a season of art and culture in the capital with the return of Frieze London and landmark new exhibitions, Artisan Chelsea is returning as part of London Craft Week from 4 – 10 October 2021.

London Craft Week is a city-wide initiative that brings together 250 established and emerging makers, designers and galleries from all over the world. In Chelsea, it’s all about celebrating the area’s abundant artisanal heritage and shining a spotlight on local brands and businesses while inviting locals to get creative and curious about making.

From Sloane Street’s luxury boutiques and hotels to the independent businesses on the King’s Road and Pavilion Road, this year’s Artisan Chelsea programme will showcase the very best of the area’s creativity and craftsmanship through a series of workshops and experiences.

“In Chelsea, it’s all about celebrating the area’s abundant artisanal heritage and shining a spotlight on local brands and businesses while inviting locals to get creative”

Highlights include exploring traditional Irish embroidery with Jenny King Embroidery at Olivia von Halle on Pavilion Road; eclectic stationer Papersmiths, located just a few doors away, will be hosting a paper floristry workshop, where participants will learn how to sculpt a beautiful bouquet of delicate crepe blossoms with Karen Hsu, founder of paper flower decor company Pom Pom Factory.

Smythson will host an exclusive exhibition at its shop at 141-142 Sloane Street featuring creations by paper artist Gill Wilson, who has created a series of bespoke artworks to be showcased from 27th September to 24th October, incorporating the tell-tale Nile Blue paper seen across Smythson’s iconic blue stationery.

The Fashion School in Chelsea will be running repairing and upcycling classes, which will cover traditional skills such as mending, stitching and darning; necessary for giving timeless clothing and accessories a sustainable new lease of life.

Other events for your diary include a unique exhibition of exquisite hand-carved 22 carat gold accessories at leather goods brand Tanner Krolle’s Belgravia townhouse; vintage luggage specialist Bentleys London will host a week-long residency with two of Britain’s finest traditional leather craftspeople, Neil MacGregor and Valerie Michael, featuring an exhibition of the first of Neil’s commissions, a historically accurate recreation of a Victorian kit bag, alongside the original bag that inspired it.

On the King’s Road, Anthropologie will be running a series of virtual and in-person workshops and live demonstrations in partnership with Vigor and Skills, ranging from ceramics to jewellery-making and rush weaving.

Whether you are most interested in interiors, fashion, or art, why not pop-in to one of the following fascinating craft-focused events?

The Art & Craft of Royal

6 October, 6pm
An exclusive talk and cocktail evening showcasing the latest addition to their iconic bar cabinet collection; Royal. Agostine Perrone and Giorgio Bargiani, directors of mixology at the Connaught Bar, discuss the importance of the home bar and invite you to enjoy world-class cocktails. Visit londoncraftweek.com to book.

Armani/Casa, 37-42 Sloane Street

The importance of craftsmanship in a post-pandemic world

7 October, 6pm
Join Anya Hindmarch and Lisa Armstrong for an intimate talk and discussion on the importance of craftsmanship in a post-pandemic world, followed by refreshments at the Anya Café. Please contact bookings@anyahindmarch.com, tickets £25.

Anya Café, 9 Pont Street

British Luxury: Craftsmanship, Creativity and Collaboration

7 October, 9am
Join Walpole, together with interior designers, craftsmen and property developers for breakfast and a discussion on the importance of craftsmanship, creativity and collaboration to the luxury industry. Visit londoncraftweek.com to book, tickets £15.

The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel, 75 Sloane Street

The sublime craftsmanship of Olivia von Halle and Jenny King Embroidery

Various dates, 10am
Discover some of the most beautifully embroidered panels, crafted with a modern aesthetic using a traditional Irish embroidery technique. Further information at londoncraftweek.com, no booking necessary.

Olivia Von Halle, 190 Pavilion Road

Lucie Monin’s hand-carved 22-carat gold accessories

4-9 October, 11am
A unique exhibition in store showcasing one-off art pieces made in collaboration with Monin using gold and leather, available to purchases exclusively during London Craft Week. Visit londoncraftweek.com to book.

Tanner Krolle, 70 Cadogan Place

Macgregor and Michael: A leather masterclass

4-9 October, 11am
The vintage luggage specialist hosts Britain’s finest leather craftsmen, Neil Macgregor and Valerie Michael throughout London Craft Week, recreating some of their iconic collections and revealing their techniques. Further information at londoncraftweek.com no booking necessary.

Bentleys, 91 Lower Sloane Street

Heritage and craftsmanship in plant fibre sculptures

4-9 October, 10am
Discover Gill Wilson’s artwork, sculptures meticulously crafted using plant fibre pulps acknowledging Smythson’s original craftsmanship. Further information at londoncraftweek.com, no booking necessary.

Smythson, 141-142 Sloane Street

London Craft Week runs from 4 – 10 October, 2021; see londoncraftweek.com for more information and to book tickets.