London Craft Week 2024: Craftworks Show
As part of London Craft Week 2024, Rock & Soar had the pleasure of exhibiting two of their most prestigious collections at a brand new show: ‘Craftworks 2024’.
Shoreditch Town Hall became home to the new exhibition ‘Craftworks’, a three-day, free-to-attend London exhibition that hosted the very best of arts, crafts, and design from all corners of the craft sector. The event featured both traditional and contemporary makers, as well as live seminars, workshops, and panel sessions with some of the finest minds in the craft sector.
Rock & Soar ‘Movement of Matter’ with Tollgard furniture collection.
During London Craft Week on 15-17 May, Rock and Soar showcased two of their main collections in the basement of Shoreditch Town Hall, called ‘The Ditch,’ on stand K. A simplistic spiral composition of ‘Chitinous’ was installed, consisting of four halo light units and 30 acrylic wings. Adjacent to this was the ‘Movement of Matter’ collection in a traditional tapered composition with 100 glass pieces. The show featured an array of skillful craftspeople, from glassmakers to textile artists and metalworkers, each demonstrating their dedication and passion for material and craft.
The show was a celebration of material, making, process, and the appreciation of high-end luxury design, which aligns with Rock & Soar’s ethos. Sponsored by Cox London, the show became a highlight of London Craft Week, attracting collectors, interior designers, and architects to view exquisite art pieces.
After a successful first day of meeting many knowledgeable makers and designers, Rock & Soar participated in a panel discussion with other leading glass designers in the industry. ‘Luxury in Craft: Through the Lens of Glassmakers’ was a conversation centered around glassmaking techniques and explored the idea and true meaning of ‘luxury’ in craft. The panel provided insight into their backgrounds and relationship with what is deemed a ‘luxury’ material, explaining the time and effort that go into each sculpture, reflecting its price and desirability.
The consensus of the discussion highlighted the importance of keeping craft alive, educating young creatives on the possibilities of designing with glass, and looking after your well-being when owning a small business: rest, delegate, and keep moving forward. ‘Luxury’ design naturally has its place within craft, categorizing the very best in skill, time, and material sourcing. It allows artists and designers to position their business in the correct market and be easily found by the right audience for commissions.
LUXURY IN CRAFT: THROUGH THE LENS OF GLASSMAKERS panel attendees.
From Left: Alison Smith (Director @ Rock & Soar), Monica Polonio (Director @ Rock & Soar), Amelia Burke (E&M Glass), Kira Phoenix K’Inan (K P Kinan Glass), Beth Wood (Blowfish Glass)
