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2008
SNOW STORMS DO NOT DETER MAJOR BUYERS FROM ATTENDING THE BRITISH CRAFT TRADE FAIR
Icy winds and snow storms did not deter buyers from all over the UK and abroad attending this year’s British Craft Trade Fair, held from Sunday 6th to Tuesday 8th April in Hall 1 of the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate. Despite a slight drop in visitor numbers on the Sunday, Monday and Tuesday’s visitor figures were up on previous years. Around 4,000 of the UK’s top buyers and specifiers attended over the three days of the event.
Organiser Margeret Bunn said: “The weather warnings were a worry on the first day but our concerns vanished as quick as the snow did when the aisles were extremely busy. Once again, buyers have commented on the high standard of work at BCTF as well as the creativity. Several exhibitors attracted commissions from corporate organisations and interior design houses as well as having offers for exhibitions throughout the year. Enquiries for 2009 were coming in thick and fast and we have sold around 75 per cent of floor space already.”
Annie Wright, the owner of Dazzle Gallery in North Yorkshire and a regular BCTF visitor for the past ten years, was invited to take part in the judging for the BCTF Award for Excellence and was so impressed with the standard of work that she attended on all three days. Annie said: “This year’s show exceeded my expectations once again. The quality of work and professionalism of the makers was a credit to them. They should be very proud of their achievements and I look forward to the next BCTF with eager anticipation.”
The BCTF’s industry awards were presented on Monday evening, recognising the remarkable talent and creativity from both newcomers and established designer makers. The Craftsman Craft & Design Magazine Best Newcomer Award was won by glassmaker Desire Hope, with a highly commended certificate given to jeweller Carrie Ann Black. The Giftware Association Award for Excellence was presented to Caroline Jacques for her range of beautiful knitted handbags. Highly commended was awarded to artist Leon Evans and commended was given to Hands on Ceramics for its striking animal and bird sculptures.
The British Jewellers’ Association Award for Excellence was won by silversmith Ann Marie Colquhoun for her visually exciting contemporary silverware that incorporates textile design into the silver. The BCTF Award for Excellence, sponsored by Layton Blackham Insurance Brokers, was presented to sculptor David Meredith for his amazing collection of bronze sculptures ranging from large birds to small animals. A highly commended certificate was given to Lindsey Mann Jewellery and commended was given to Susan Horth for her unusual wire sculptures of birds and small creatures.
The WOW Factor Award, sponsored by Design Gap and voted for by the show’s exhibitors was won by Samantha Bryan for her exquisite fairies made from mixed media, with highly commended given to wirework designer Cathy Miles.
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2007
VISITOR FIGURES REACH NEW HIGH AT BRITISH CRAFT TRADE FAIR
Visitor figures reached a new high at this year’s British Craft Trade Fair (BCTF) with over 4,000 buyers registering over the three days, creating an increase of around 15 per cent compared to 2006 which continues the trend set over the past few years. With over 500 exhibitors to see at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate, some buyers stayed for two and even all three days to ensure they fully appreciated the impressive display of contemporary designed goods.
Organiser Margeret Bunn said: “We‘ve had fantastic feedback from the exhibitors at this year’s fair on the calibre of buyers that attended with many writing good orders at the show and hundreds of strong business leads. There were a considerable number of buyers from London and South East based high-end department stores as well as heritage outlets, garden centres, interior designers and quality independent stores. We also had an increase of international buyers from places such as America, Australia and many parts of Europe which shows how the show’s reputation has grown over the past few years.”
On Monday evening the BCTF’s industry awards were presented, each recognising the remarkable talent and creativity from both newcomers and established designer makers. The Craftsman Magazine Best Newcomer Award was won by contemporary silversmith Rebecca Joselyn, with a highly commended certificate given to woodworker Jane Cummins. The Giftware Association Award for Excellence was presented to Dinsdale Petch for its range of exquisite miniatures and beautiful small limited edition bronze animal sculptures. Highly commended was awarded to Planet Purple Kids for its craft kits for children and commended was given to Naturaleigh for its natural bath products and giftware.
The British Jewellers Association Award for Excellence was won by Tamsin Howells for her visually exciting contemporary plastic jewellery which encapsulates a variety of fabrics such as vintage floral, men's ties and shirts. The BCTF Award for Excellence, sponsored by Layton Blackham Insurance Brokers, was presented to Gail F Mahon Ceramics with a new collection of contemporary ceramic vessels with a distinctive eclectic mix of texture, colour and form. A highly commended certificate was given to Lynn Muir for her painted figures, boxes and wall pieces, made out of re-cycled wood and commended was given to Helaina Sharpley for her elegant 2D and 3D wirework. The WOW Factor Award, sponsored by Design Gap and voted for by the show’s exhibitors was won by Helaina Sharpley, who received her second award of the night, with highly commended given to fellow wirework designer Emerald Faerie.
With BCTF 2007 being such a success and many exhibitors rebooking for BCTF 2008, the organisers are now focusing on Design Edge, which reflects BCTF’s successful formula in the South. Held at Sandown Park in Surrey from Sunday 16th to Tuesday 18th September 2007, Design Edge attracted around 250 exhibitors and 800 buyers in its first outing last year. It offers buyers a more focused alternative to the larger general gift fairs held in London and the Southern Counties. Feedback from the 2006 exhibitors was extremely positive and buyers were excited by the opportunity to see a wide range of design led contemporary jewellery and giftware. Margeret added: “The exhibitors at BCTF showed tremendous interest in Design Edge and have recommended it to other designer makers who have yet to exhibit at a trade fair.”
Companies and individuals wishing to enquire about exhibiting at Design Edge or BCTF 2008 can contact Margeret Bunn on tel: +44 (0)1444 246 446 or email: info@deign-edge.uk.com
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PURPLE PLANET KIDS LAUNCHES NEW CRAFT KITS AT BCTF
Family-run business Purple Planet Kids will be launching its new and innovative range of contemporary handcraft kits, which are aimed at the pre-teen market, at this year’s BCTF.
This product has been designed to engage the imagination and natural creativity of young crafters, as well as helping to develop their artistic confidence. Each kit has its own unique feature allowing the child to develop their creation as they progress through the different stages. Its ever-expanding range currently consists of eleven different kits, a choice of three quirky and humorous book kits, two types of cute pencil cases, a loopy pencil set, a madcap family of finger puppets in three separate kits and two versions of a funky flower bag and purse.
The recommended retail price ranges from nine to 20 pounds. Purple Planet Kids tries to be as eco-friendly as possible, ensuring the contents of the kits are of good quality, using as little excess packaging as possible and using re-useable and bio-degradable materials, striving towards a fully green kit.
Other toys and child related products will be shown at BCTF including Zebedee Designs’ hand painted gifts for children such as hairbrushes, mirrors, jewellery boxes and christening stools. It also produces hand painted nursery furniture and bespoke murals that are inspired by the child’s imagination. Creations in Wood will also be displaying its range of traditional wooden toys including trains, cars and various other vehicles and animals. It will also be showing its unusual range of rockers, which includes traditional horses as well as snails, ducks and even a kangaroo.
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NEWCOMERS RISE TO THE CHALLENGE TO EXHIBIT AT BCTF
With more applicants than ever before, BCTF has invited around seventy newcomers who will be exhibiting at a trade fair for the first time, to display their products in the Newcomers’ Gallery and reveal their talents to a commercial market. Organiser Margeret Bunn said: "The standard of applicants this year has been exceptional and made the selection process even harder. Each applicant has been assessed on design, craftsmanship, quality and commercial appeal. The newcomers we have chosen will be able to hold their own alongside the established companies and maintain the high standard of work that buyers expect from BCTF."
This year’s newcomers cover the full range of craft disciplines and will all be judged by a panel from the Craftsman Magazine over the first two days of the show to determine who will win the Craftsman Magazine Newcomer Award at BCTF. The winner will be announced once the doors have closed on Monday evening and will receive a trophy to keep, a certificate and a cheque for £250 as well as a much prized front cover feature in Craftsman Magazine.
Newcomers appearing include...
Rachel Gretton Glass
Stand N53, http://www.rachelgrettonglass.com/
Tel: 01751 460 174
Email: info@rachelgrettonglass.com
Rachel Gretton Glass is a creative business, which produces one-off kiln cast glass sculptures for commissions and exhibitions. Rachel’s most recent designs emphasises the importance of enlightenment through the written word, using writing as a form of therapeutic expression whilst desensitising the contents through the application. Words and phrases are used repeatedly without spacing creating at first glance a textured and patterned quality. It is only on closer inspection that the content of the text becomes apparent.
In the series ‘Now You See Me Now You Don’t’, Rachel has used childhood parables to detract from the sensitive issues that the pieces reveal. The more recent work ‘Extracts of Love’ focus on capturing the essence and harsh realities of love. Primarily Rachel’s work is aimed at the corporate and private collectors market, gaining commissions and creating unique and contemporary designs for interiors, site-specific sculptures, awards and gifts.
Alex Williamson
Stand N51, http://www.alexwilliamson.com
Tel: 07742 286 482
Email: alexwilliamson63@hotmail.com
Alex describes his work as truly unique jewellery, which combines new technology alongside traditional skills. His designs see laser cut aluminium inset with beautifully soft hand chosen leather and are constructed with hand cut aluminium rivets, hand crafted silver links and an individually made clasp. This work portrays the repetitive line held within contemporary architecture. It is beautifully light to wear and offers buyers an alternative collection of stunningly different jewellery.
Clare Hillerby Jewellery
Stand N24,
Tel: 07817 388 143
Email: chillerby@msn.com
Handwriting forms the starting point for Clare Hillerby’s work; sections from old postcards, letters, and documents are randomly selected and gathered. Stamps introduce colour with contrasting print; words, numbers, pattern and imagery. Writing is used due to Clare’s interest in message making which are always ambiguous and represent short uncertain conversations. Words are often reduced to small details to appear as pattern or overlapping markings. Found paper is combined with silver and details of gold. Silver is rollprinted with paper and appears in either matt white or black. Elements are often cold connected by using rivets in silver or gold. Contrasts of writing styles and the colourings are important as are other subtle contrasts. Clare produces necklaces, bracelets, brooches, rings and earrings in small editions and as one-off pieces.
Petra Bradley
Stand N54
Tel: 01904 631 820
Email: irwinbradley@ukonline.co.uk
Petra Bradley will be showcasing two ranges of her work – her use of vintage fabrics and her own screen printed cloth. Petra creates handbags, purses and cushions using old or vintage fabrics that she finds. The handbags have a retro feel to them and are the perfect fashion accessory. Petra has started to create her own printed fabric using her sketches of flowers and real life as a basis. She simplifies and distorts the drawings to create the pattern that is then screen printed onto the fabric.
Although Petra only started her business venture less than twelve months ago, she is already looking to expand her range with partly printed and customised fabrics.
Partners in Pewter
Stand N49, http://www.partnersinpewter.co.uk
Tel: 01628 485 764, Fax: 01628 485 011
Email: info@partnersinpewter.co.uk
Partners in Pewter explores the potential of this versatile medium using the repousse and casting techniques. The metal has beautiful reflective properties and is also very pleasing to hold so it is ideal for designing attractive and functional pieces. Artist’s Adrian and Lesley Doble make several different gallery items in addition to providing a bespoke service to individuals and corporate clients. Each year Partners in Pewter introduces new products in which it tries to balance the temptation of using more abstract designs with the need to offer the public functional items that people are comfortable with. The artists benefit from strong links with the pewter industry in the UK and the encouragement of the Worshipful Company of Pewterers in London.
Helen Bolland Shibori Pleated Silk Scarves
Stand N13, http://www.helenbolland.co.uk
Tel: 01254 854 601 or 07986 074518 Fax: 01254 854 501
Email: mail@helenbolland.co.uk
The ancient, eighth-century art of shibori is being given a unique, Lancastrian twist in the rural Brindle studio of Helen Bolland. Helen’s new textile business uses shibori dyeing techniques to create beautiful pleated silk scarves. With shibori, the artist treats cloth as a three-dimensional form, by pleating, gathering, clamping or twisting. Helen’s individual interpretation involves painstakingly creating the pleats by hand, using custom-built stainless-steel cylinders. The result is striking and original scarves of complexity and beauty in 100% pure silk and ranging in price from £55 to £95.
“I decided to exhibit because the work at BCTF is always of the highest quality and its artists always bring something new and original to their craft that changes its shape, which is what I hope to do, at least in some small way,” says Helen.
Julia Roxburgh
Stand N7A, http://www.juliaroxburgh.co.uk
Tel: 0191 274 0256
Email: juliaroxburgh@yahoo.co.uk
Julia creates exuberant, joyful and outrageous pots which challenge the traditional view of functional ceramics. Each hand made piece is a one-off sculpture, a work of art in its own right. Julia gained her BA in Ceramics at Bristol in 1984, and went on to work for six years as a theatrical prop maker in London. In 1991, she moved to Newcastle upon Tyne where she embarked on my two-pronged career as potter and mother. Her love of Theatre and Circuses is a major influence in her work. Flamboyant slip decoration embellishes strong, bold forms while slightly over-the-top Baroque modelled details lend a whimsical touch of humour. Vibrant colour and glittering gilt finishes complete the dramatic effect. Julia’s unspoken mission is to single-handedly cheer up Breakfast and Dinner Tables.
Rebecca Joselyn
Stand N48, http://www.designsinsilver.co.uk
Tel: 07788 782 715
Email: rebecca@designsinsilver.co.uk
Rebecca Joselyn is an up and coming contemporary designer silversmith who draws inspiration from how people interact and handle different objects. One area of Rebecca’s work draws attention to the unwanted disposable packaging, which people conveniently use to hold or contain food and drink as they consume it. Rebecca evaluates a recognized piece of throwaway packaging such as a crisp packet and the impact it has on the environment. Environmental concerns are topical and in response to this, she has begun to develop a range of contemporary silver tableware objects for display and use within the home.
Hannah Louise Lamb
Stand N16, http://www.itchyfingers.org
Tel: 0131 554 6888
Email: Hannah@itchyfingers.org
A sense of beauty and perfection, an eye for detail and a strong sense of place all combine in Hannah Louise Lamb's jewellery to create unique, highly desirable and wearable pieces from delicate pendants to strikingly original rings and inimitable cufflinks. Hannah’s inspiration comes from decorative motifs and colours from wall coverings and interior fabrics, pets and simple iconic imagery from around the house. The techniques used are intricate hand piercing, surface texturing, and traditional jewellery fabrication skills combining silver with materials such as silk, felt and semi-precious stones.
Ice Blue Studio Glass
Stand N57, http://www.icebluestudioglass.co.uk
Tel: 01384 288 062
Email: iceblueglass@aol.com
Ice Blue glassmakers Lynn Baker and Dave Ward have been based in Broadfield's Hot Glass Studio, Dudley, where visitors watch them at work since August 2006. During this time Lynn and Dave have successfully developed their own personal and collaborative styles. As well as working to commission, they produce a wide range of studio glass, glass jewellery, sculpture and architectural panels which will all be on display at BCTF. Dave takes his inspiration from the sea and sailing whereas Lynn uses geometric forms and her surroundings, especially the way the light casts across the Lincolnshire Wold where she lives. Ice Blue Studio Glass will be unveiling its own exhibition in September that will run at Broadfield until January 2008.
Henrietta Fernandez Jewellery Design
Stand N22, http://www.fernandezdesign.co.uk/
Tel: 01273 628 508
Email: info@fernandezdesign.co.uk
Henrietta’s handmade silver jewellery is inspired by graphic organic shapes found in nature. Currently there are three collections to choose from with a fourth called Folk in production. Her current Flower and Leaf collections are inspired by a love of plants and flowers, whilst her new Folk collection is inspired by early American Floral designs. Jewellery in the Flower collection is based on the simplified shape of a daisy-type petal, and pieces in her Leaf collection are named according to their leaf shape – Pinnate, Lobe and Serrate. Each collection has a selection of very wearable necklaces, earrings, bracelets and cufflinks. Henrietta’s aim is to produce elegant, timeless pieces to treasure and wear.
Robert Antell
Stand N68, http://www.robertantell.co.uk/
Tel: 01179 894 075
Email: info@robertantell.co.uk
Artist Robert Antell specialises in portraiture and figurative drawings using coloured pastels. He will be launching his beautiful range of pastels that have been converted into greeting cards, limited edition prints and originals. These products have only been seen at private exhibitions and Robert’s pictures range from breathtaking landscapes to endearing images of children enjoying various pastimes. Robert has had illustration work published in print format and distributed worldwide by Europe's leading fine art publisher, Rosenstiels Limited.
Jessica Jewellery Design
Stand N46, http://www.jessicasherriffjewellery.co.uk/
Tel: 07977 676 232
Email: jessica@jessicasherriffjewellery.co.uk
Jessica Jewellery Design will be showcasing a new range of Acrylic Jewellery. Designer Jessica Sherriff takes what would be ordinary countryside snaps and incorporates them with Acrylic to create a new wave of both bold and subtle jewellery, consisting of pendants, bangles and earrings. Inspired by her Yorkshire countryside surroundings Jessica Sherriff enjoys taking photos locally then incorporating this natural subject matter into the bold shapes of her jewellery. The images are first printed onto the surface of the acrylic using a thermo technique. Bangles are then thermo formed and other pieces shaped with a combination of machine and hand sanding. Then to finalise each piece is polished and satinized, allowing light to refract within the pieces. This combined with the experimentation of a varied plastic thickness; enable the images to be viewed in a unique way.
Plank
Stand N31, http://www.landartbasics.co.uk/
Tel: 07951 767 615
Email: stefancollings@hotmail.com
The Plank Design Studio is run by Stefan Collings, a landscape architecture graduate, who works alongside local craftspeople in the Huddersfield area to create contemporary outdoor furniture. Plank started about four years ago, making bespoke pieces for gardens and working alongside landscape designers to create furniture that complemented their schemes and ideas. More recently, the team has been working on designs for public seating and various arts projects and trying to develop a range of products that has Plank’s individual style. Strong architectural forms are combined with soft natural lines so that the furniture works in harmony with its surroundings. The work is strongly influenced by Stefan’s background in landscape architecture and the shapes found in nature.
Jane Cummins
Stand N26, http://www.janecummins.co.uk/
Tel: 07906 179178
Email: info@janecummins.co.uk
Since graduating from Staffordshire University in July 2006 with a First Class Honours in BA (Hons) Design Crafts, Jane has been making handbags and sculptured wood pieces. Using a combination of wood and felt, Jane produces handbags made from laminated plywood frames with a handmade merino felt bag which are either left plain or machine embroidered with a simple flora design. Again using a combination of wood and felt, Jane turns blocks of ash to produce contemporary sculptural wood turned pieces that incorporate felt for a tactile experience.
Jane explains: "Taking inspiration from geometric shapes and how they work together these Ash Blocks have been turned on a lathe, working with the grain to produce contrasting textures to the surface of the wood, further colour and texture is added with felt. My aim is to produce a surface and shape that brings out the desire to touch the wood and feel the contrasts between the materials"
Creatively Occupied
Stand N50, http://www.creativelyoccupied.com/
Tel: 0771 426 7995
Email: freemmi8@hotmail.com
Michelle Freemantle is the designer behind Creatively Occupied which produces ceramics using a mixture of hand built, press mould and thrown techniques. She will showcase a collection that was inspired by poetry written during an internationally selected workshop in Japan and plays a major part in her work.
Michelle explains: "Whilst in Japan I was deeply aware of the beauty of imperfection and the western obsession for the precise and perfect. I strive to create individual pieces that I hope embody their own character, giving an internal life of their own. I've chosen Harrogate as my first trade show as I believe it can raise my profile as an artist due to its professional reputation and its nurturing of start-up artists."
Images are available for all of the above designers upon request. Contact Andrea Seed on 0121 224 7455 or email andrea@poppyseedmedia.co.uk.
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JEWELLERY DESIGNERS RECYCLE TO CREATE NEW COLLECTIONS
As consumers become more environmentally conscious, more and more designers are using recycled materials to produce innovative new pieces and collections. Vintage gemstones, antique fabrics, wires, buttons and even childhood comic books have been cleverly reborn into exciting necklaces, brooches and rings.
Many jewellery designers have taken inspiration from age-old traditions such as button tin collections that have been passed down from generation to generation. Irish designer Orla Halvin combines traditional techniques with contemporary materials and precious metals to create collections such as Memoirs of a Button Tin which uses various sized buttons of all shapes and colour and will be showcased at BCTF. This collection also gives consumers the opportunity to have buttons from their own sentimental collections transformed into wearable keepsakes.
Orla, who graduated with honours in metal from The National College of Art and Design in Dublin 2002 and is a registered silversmith, will also unveil her latest collection entitled Penny Chew that acknowledges and remembers the tradition of childhood and a time when receiving your pocket money on a Saturday morning meant comic books and penny sweets for your entertainment.
This contemporary collection using the images of retro comics such as The Bunty and Judy to create a series of silver pins, pendants and earrings, illustrating those carefree days. Each silver piece has an image, which has been drawn and embossed on to a silver circular disc. As each item uses vintage comic books, none of the jewellery can be repeated, making each piece a limited edition.
Buttons have also inspired Corrie Lewis-Bishop, who is launching a new range of brooches that include moulds of vintage fabric, Victorian mother of pearl buttons and items from crackers, and Jo Bagshaw, who combines precious & non-precious materials. Her latest offering combines silver with vintage buttons sourced from charity shops and will be promoting a new collection of gift cards which have silver wire figures with coloured acrylic dresses that are removable brooches.
Jewellery design company Stitch and Silver also uses buttons as well as recycled and antique beads, encapsulating them in resin and contained in a silver casing. This collection of fabric and silver jewellery is inspired by childhood memorabilia and a magpie obsession for found objects, and has resulted in a celebration of colours and textiles brought together in fun and quirky ways.
Stitch and Silver’s creative fibre and silver pieces are both wearable and sculptural and incorporate various design solutions through stitch, feltmaking and silver work, in order to produce the highest possible quality products. Its range includes felt brooches which contain recycled threads and unusual materials such as plastic bottles that are used through the felt itself and adorned with a collection of beads and buttons.
Clare Lupino, a designer maker of conceptual vintage jewellery, launches several new collections at BCTF, with one collection entitled ‘Seven for a Secret’ inspired by a popular superstitious rhyme about magpies. Living in Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire, Clare makes studies of various botanical forms in the woods next to her house and creates beautiful neckpieces, wristcuffs, tiaras and earrings, using semi-precious stones such as garnets and emeralds. Somewhat a magpie herself, Clare collects antique and vintage items to recycle within her work, transforming them into contemporary, wearable pieces.
Having worked as an artist for 14 years specialising in sculpture, performance art and installation, Clare takes an unusual approach to jewellery making, as she has not followed the same trail as many other designer makers. This is reflected in the magpie concept which Clare works with to create astoundingly glamorous jewellery, featuring 1920’s crystals, 1930’s dressclips, 40’s pearls, 50’s earrings and fantastic themed brooches from the 1960’s.
A full list of jewellery designers exhibiting see the exhibitor list.
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BEST OF UK TALENT REVEALED AT BCTF
A wealth of the best designer makers from Britain and Ireland will reveal breathtaking new collections and design-led creations at this year’s British Craft Trade Fair. With over 500 exhibitors, BCTF offers buyers the opportunity to preview cutting edge design and unique talent that can only be seen at this exclusive trade fair.
Now in its 26th year, BCTF carefully selects its exhibitors to represent a broad selection of disciplines with a carefully planned balance between established makers and newcomers. The collective innovation and creativity of their designs has a great influence on fashion trends and helps to shape the future of the contemporary home and giftware market.
The products on display range from breathtaking jewellery, unusual handbags, hats and fashion accessories to contemporary ceramics, glassware, canvases, sculptures and soft furnishings. Various materials from precious metal, glass, wood and acrylics to unusual fabrics, fibres and gemstones are used to create modern designs, many of which will not be seen at any other trade fair.
Organiser Margeret Bunn said: “BCTF has steadily grown in size, stature and reputation with both exhibitor and visitor numbers showing an increase year on year. We have completely sold out the exhibition space for 2007 and have a waiting list which shows how important BCTF is to designer makers.
“Not only has our attendance increased but the quality and spending power of the buyers also continues to rise with visitors coming from all over the UK as well as Australia, Canada, USA, Germany, Belgium and Norway. The buyers who visit know that they are getting exclusive access to the very best in British design as a very high percentage of our exhibitors do not exhibit at any other trade fair. BCTF has guaranteed its popularity by continually delivering what buyers have said they want to see.”
Each year a selection of newcomers that have not previously exhibited at any trade fairs are invited to show their products in the Newcomers Gallery, which supports emerging talent and reflects the ethos of the fair for encouraging new design, innovation and inspiration. Past newcomers have gone on to great success through the contacts and buyers they have met at BCTF and have won major contracts as well as exhibition opportunities and one-off commissions. One of the newcomers will also be awarded the prestigious Craftsman Magazine Newcomer Award.
There are a host of industry awards on offer, each recognising the remarkable talent and creativity from both newcomers and established designer makers within sectors such as giftware and jewellery. These awards are supported by industry bodies such as the Giftware Association and The British Jewellers’ Association as well as other sponsors.
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12TH APRIL 2006
BUYERS GIVE VOTE OF CONFIDENCE TO THE BRITISH CRAFT TRADE FAIR (bctf)
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, bctf 2006 was host to over 500 exhibitors, representing the best designer makers in the UK and Ireland.
Philip Bunn, fair Director said ‘ registrations before the fair were stronger than ever before, and our final gate figure showed a small increase on last year, which in the current climate is extremely encouraging. Just over 3500 buyers attended during the three days and the
increase is a trend that started in 2003 and shows no sign of abating’.
Visitors came mainly from the UK but the organisers reported buyers attending from Australia, Canada, USA, Germany, Belgium and Norway.
‘Not only is our attendance increasing, but the quality and spending power of the buyers also continues to rise’ enthused Philip.
The highly coveted bctf awards uncovered some remarkable talent from both newcomers and established makers.
The Newcomers Award
Sponsored by the Craftsman Magazine the gallery is annually host to 70 exhibitors who have not exhibited at any trade fair before.
The gallery is full of talent and many of the exhibitors have recently graduated from university.
This years winner was Daniela Dobesova with her fabulous silver and gold jewellery. Daniela exploits the properties shape and material, such as the tension and elasticity of a spiral, to create unique contemporary jewellery whose beauty stems from the form itself, rather than relying on decoration or embellishment.
Daniela said ‘ winning the award was really fantastic, especially considering the overall high standard of work at the show. I am sure it will be a big help in building further recognition for me as a jewellery designer- maker’.
Daniela’s work can be seen on www.danieladobesova.com
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A highly commended went to Pia Leete of Firesprite for her hugely innovative fretwork and lighting designs.
www.fire-sprite.com |
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Gavin Marshall of GMA Glass Design also got a highly commended for his functional and sculptural glass.
www.gmaglassdesign.co.uk |
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The GA award for Excellence, sponsored by HH design went to Glover and Smith for their organic designs made from the finest lead free pewter.
Isabel Martinson Chief Executive of the Giftware Association said ‘ There are always so many attractive products at the British Craft Trade Fair and it is very difficult to choose the one that will receive the GA’s award for Excellence but Glover and Smiths beautifully crafted pewter oyster dish and spoon stood out
as a perfect gift. Its high quality of production, thoughtful presentation and value for money really caught the attention of the experienced buyer who was judging our
category’.
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A highly commended went to Jane Maddison for her unusual domestic-ware.
www.madkobie.co.uk |
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Emma Atherton won the British Jewellers’ Award for Excellence in Jewellery, and Lindsay Straughton, Senior Co-ordinator of The British Jewellers’ Association who sponsor the award together with HH design said ‘The trend for colour is a very strong story this year and Emma’s designs are well crafted, affordable and beautifully presented in up to the moment enamelled colours. The judges said they were spot on!’
www.emmaatherton.co.uk |
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The bctf Award for Excellence was won by Samantha Bryan for her mixed media sculptures. ‘We chose Samantha’s work because her range of fairies are a delight to the eye and her commitment to detail is quite incredible’, said Margeret Bunn, co-organiser of the fair. Samantha’s work can be viewed on www.brainsfairies.co.uk |
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Edward Mahoney, won highly commended for his hand raised vessels in silver and steel
www.ejmahony.co.uk |
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Highly commended also went to Tagblank for their unique range of limited edition jewellery and gift boxes.
www.tagblank.co.uk |
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Poppy Treffry won a commended for her unique range of bags, purses, tea-cosies and badges.
www.poppytreffry.co.uk |
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The 2007 British Craft Trade Fair will be held on 15th – 17th April 2007 and you can register through the website www.bctf.co.uk
For those of you who cannot wait that long, a Southern version of the fair called Design Edge will take place on 17th – 19th September 2006. Visitor registration is through www.designedge. uk.com
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