This month, the capital celebrates its long-held artisan traditions with the first-ever London Craft Week, taking place over the weekend of 6-10 May. The four day long programme is packed with events, workshops and demonstrations in both high-end department stores and small manufacturing labs. We round-up the highlights, day by day:
Thursday 7 May
The art of watchmaking is on show at Vacheron Costantin. Try your hand at assembling a clock while supervised by a watchmaker and engraver, who'll be at the store throughout the festival. Free entry.
Fashionistas ahoy! Discover the art behind the signature paisley designs of Italian fashion brand Etro. Artist Mr Maury showcases his unique works at the Bond Street boutique. Free entry, 10am-5pm.
Get stuck into Clerkenwell's creative atmosphere as manufacturing hub Craft Central opens its doors for the entire weekend, welcoming visitors to meet a host of talented designers. There'll be demonstrations in the Craft Central Gallery throughout the event.
Friday 8 May
Take a morning tour of Goldsmiths' Centre in Farringdon, which opens to the public to show its training facilities. The tour starts at 10.30am and is free but you need to book your ticket in advance.
Meet the makers at Fortnum & Mason: the renowned department store hosts a a specially curated showcase of 28 craftsmen alumni from the Walpole Crafted mentoring programme, featuring over 100 pieces of contemporary work. There's a free drop-in 'Meet the Maker' session from 2pm-7pm.
Visit the historical Artworkers' Guild, founded in 1884, one of the driving forces behind the Arts and Crafts movement in Britain. Its Bloomsbury building opens to the public today from 4pm-6.30pm with demonstrations by guild members. Free entry.
Saturday 9 May
Visit Mo Coppoletta's famous tattoo parlour in Exmouth Market and discover the secret behind its worldwide reputation. The studio is open from 10am-5pm.
Ever thought about getting into glass-blowing? There's a free demonstration by artists Cathryn Shilling, Louis Thompson and Liam Reeves at the quite magical London Glassblowing forge in Bermondsey between 10am-4pm.
There are also several exhibitions happening in conjunction with the festival: What is Luxury? is at the V&A, The Heritage Crafts Association in Shoreditch has a photography exhibition, while the Griffin Gallery hosts Make/Create exhibition.
Sunday 10 May
Don't miss the chance to visit Cockpit Arts during its first open-studio weekend. The designers will be meeting visitors and selling products directly. Free entry from 11am-6pm.
Japanese clothing brand Edwin collaborates with Luke Deverell of East London-based Darn and Dusted to demonstrate the skills and techniques involved in repairing and reviving vintage denim. Watch them at Selfridges from 12pm-6pm. Free entry.
London Craft Week takes place 6-10 May. The events take place around Mayfair, Clerkenwell, Shoreditch and other areas. Most are free of charge but organised on a first come first served basis — some require prior booking and may charge a small booking fee. We advise you check the full programme and pick your favourite.
