If you want to see the best contemporary craft under one roof you must visit the annual GNCC Fair in Manchester, its an unmissable event. If you share a passion for craft + design and like to meet the makers + creators this wonderfully curated show certainly delivers. Provenance and origin is important in today’s world of the mass produced and being mindful when we invest in new items is how we need to shop. When i source new stock for the store i try to choose items that transcend fashion and seasonal looks. Buying stuff with substance that has been made with passion and soul will last you a lifetime. Below is a brief view of the selection of crafts that stood out to me, some will soon be joining us in the store.
Melina Xenaki - These stunning ceramics are made in London, her work is completely unique and she draws on her Greek heritage and her love of the raw , authentic beauty of Cycladic and early Cypriot ceramics. www.melinaxenaki.com - Cup + Cloth are very excited in showcasing Melina’s collection, keep your eyes peeled for the announcement.
Vicky Higginson Glass - This collection is inspired by Japanese and Scandinavian design and her glass ware is all hand blown. The work is sophisticated with elegant form, complemented with innovative surfaces and perfect colour combinations. A super modern collection that’s timeless and very covetable. www.vickyhigginson.com
Gabrielle Turner - Gabrielle produces these sublime vessels as showcases for her experimental glazes. Primarily working with earthenware clay, taking inspiration from weathered textures and surfaces. gaby.turner@hotmail.co.uk - A selection of Gabrielle’s work is coming soon to Cup + Cloth
Poppy Norton - This collection of design led statement jewellery comes in non traditional materials such as brass + lino + acrylic + wood. Taking inspiration from her love and knowledge of product design and architecture the collection carries a strong graphic identity. www.poppynorton.com
Print Garage - Iain Perry - Iain is an artist + screenprinter creating deeply layered + colour saturated + slow motion screen prints. He prints on wonderful textured paper as well as on wooden boards. www.printgarage.co.uk.
Marina Bauguil - working in paper porcelain, Marina’s work is inspired by the Wabi Sabi concept of beauty through imperfection. I love these dream like tiny figures, so beautiful with individual character and super sized charm. www.marinabauguil.com
Jenny Chan - Jenny celebrates the ordinary women in an extraordinary way, her figurative female sculptures are beautifully crafted and finished in sublime matt glazes. www.jennychanartworks.com
Rob Anderson Metal - Robs metal work is inspired by Japanese aesthetics sensibilities and listening to the materials inherent voice. www.robandersonmetal.co.uk
Becca Brown - The collection of story plates are created using the mono printing technique using oxide inks. These charming illustrations are conjured by strange stories and sayings. Becca builds a narrative on the surface of decorative hand built ceramics exposing brush strokes + fingerprints + making marks to accentuate the relationship between vessel and subject. www.beccabrown.co.uk
Inner Finn Ceramics - Tactile + refined slip cast porcelain vessels which are uniquely decorated and handmade from start to finish. When i picked up these sublime creations i couldn’t believe how wonderful they felt to the touch, it was the most incredible feeling, i’d liken it to an adult comfort blanket, they are absolutely divine! www.innerfinn.co.uk
