Artist Lora Avedian will reimagine Smythson's signature leather
Anthropologie collaborator Molly Mahon
Artisanal treats from Ice Cream Union
Running from Monday 9 to Sunday 15 May 2022, this year’s edition of Artisan Chelsea features a curated line-up of events, talks, exhibitions, experiences and workshops that will spotlight the neighbourhood’s remarkable breadth of talent and its legacy as an epicentre for both British and international creativity and craftsmanship.
London Craft Week is a city-wide initiative that brings together more than 250 established and emerging makers, designers, brands and galleries from around the world. In Chelsea, that means a programme of engaging and interactive events, curated to inspire, celebrate and empower as part of Artisan Chelsea.
Scroll on for some of the week’s highlights, from Sloane Street’s luxury boutiques and landmark hotels to the independent stores along the King’s Road and the local charm of Pavilion Road.
ANYA HINDMARCH: IS THERE A FUTURE FOR LEATHER?
Join Anya Hindmarch at The Village, with Sara Grady and Alice Robinson, founders of Grady + Robinson, and Jimmy Woodrow from Pasture for Life, for a discussion on land, animals and leather. Guests will hear about the innovative ideas that are being developed and the future of leather within the fashion industry and beyond.
Tuesday 10 May, 6pm-7pm, refreshments 7pm-8pm
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SMYTHSON EXHIBITS ARTWORK IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LORA AVEDIAN
Smythson will host an exclusive exhibition at its Sloane Street store, featuring works by artist Lora Avedian. Inspired by antique textiles, Lora uses traditional embroidery and embellishment techniques to bring Smythson’s surplus leather to life. Don’t miss the chance to meet her in-store during the week.
Wednesday 11 May, 12pm – 6pm
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ANTHROPOLOGIE X MOLLY MAHON
A unique exhibition in the Kings Road Gallery throughout the week will see Anthropologie partner with British textile designer Molly Mahon to showcase the art of block printing. Visit the gallery to see her works applied to fabrics, wallpaper and a growing range of homewares. She will also be holding a talk on block printing.
Exhibition: Monday 9-Saturday 13 May, 10am-7pm; Sunday 15 May, 12pm-6pm
Talk: Thursday 12 May, 6pm-8pm
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A curated line-up of events that will spotlight the neighbourhood’s remarkable breadth of talent
THE FASHION SCHOOL – MAKE, DO & MEND
Come along to the King’s Road store to learn different techniques to mend your clothing. From fixing holes in jeans to darning jumpers, participants are taught to repair and upcycle, instead of throwing them away. There will also be an introductory workshop on three-dimensional hand embroidery, called stumpwork, for beginner and novice stitchers.
Friday 13 May, 10am–1pm
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ICE CREAM UNION ARTISANAL ICE-CREAM TASTING
Join Alex Fubini, founder and MD at the Ice Cream Union, for an informal chat and ice-cream tasting. Get an insight into how truly artisanal ice creams are made, and how this differs not only from industrially produced ice creams but also small-batch producers using pre-made mix ingredients.
Monday 9-Friday 13 May, 11am-12pm
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SARABANDE STUDIOS TAKEOVER AT SOHO HOME
Sarabande studios are making a guest appearance in West London, taking over Soho Home’s flagship store on the King’s Road. Paper installation artist Alice von Maltzahn and embroidery artist Aurora Pettinari York are in residence during the week, giving you a sneak peek into the Sarabande creative space. Stop by to see Alice and Aurora demonstrate their craft.
Wednesday 11-Sunday 15 May, 9am-7pm
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CASSANDRA GOAD’S INTERACTIVE EXHIBITION EXPLORING HER LATEST ‘MAROC’ COLLECTION
Influenced by her latest trip to Morocco, jewellery designer Cassandra Goad will be showing her most recent collection, drawing inspiration from timeless Moroccan rituals. Discover the stories behind Cassandra’s designs at an interactive exhibition at her Sloane Street showroom.
Monday 9-Friday 13 May, 10am-6pm; Saturday 14 May, 11am-3pm
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CELEBRATING 165 YEARS OF TANNER KROLLE TRUNKS WITH TABITHA SIMMONS AT BEAVERBROOK TOWN HOUSE
An intimate lunch at Beaverbrook Town House hosted by Tabitha Simmons, creative director of Tanner Krolle, delving deep into the history and craftsmanship of British luxury travel trunks. Guests will enjoy a private Japanese dining experience, learning about trunk craftsmanship and design, before personalising a leather gift of their choice.
Wednesday 11 May, 12.30pm
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