Craft in Focus at RHS Garden Wisley

Last week I journeyed out of London to visit the glorious ornamental gardens of RHS Garden Wisley, world famous for it's collection of unusual flora and fauna, rockeries and borders of inspiring planting combinations.

At this time of year the gardens are arguably at their finest.  Tall deciduous trees are unfurling their leaves, pretty blossom decorates the lower trees and hotly coloured rhododendrons and azaleas are in full bloom.

I could have spent the day wondering around the garden planning a mini Wisley in my own back garden, but my focus for this visit was not on the plants but on craft.

This symphony of spring provided a splendid backdrop for Craft in Focus, a five day spectacular of over 140 makers showcasing their work in marquees erected upon the green lawns of Wisley.

Potters, jewellers, silversmiths, glass blowers, furniture makers, sculptors and artists had travelled from afar bringing their work for visitors to touch and see. Some were demonstrating their craft. Hours could have passed watching these creative minds instructing their skilled hands to manipulate materials into forms using processes and techniques passed down through generations.

Here are some of my favourites:

1. Rocking chair by Carl Austin Furniture

Carl Austin combined techniques learnt in furniture design and wooden boat building to fashion this statement outdoor rocking chair. The design is inspired by mid 20th Century Scandinavian Design.  It is designed for life, to weather into it's surroundings 'as naturally as the materials it is shaped from'.

2. Vase by Beverly Todd

Beverly Todd wheel threw clay to create this pretty black and white flowered vase. Inspired by Welsh landscapes, the vase is hand decorated using techniques learnt in oil painting. It is then finished off with glaze.

3. Glass by GR Hawes

Graeme Hawes used glass blowing techniques to create this striking ornamental piece inspired by the case of a sweet chestnut. Graeme became interested in materials, processes and techniques whilst completing a masters at the Royal College of Art. This led him to a life long passion for glass blowing.

Graeme explains: 'I became captivated by the hostile environment of a glassblowing workshop from my first day at Sunderland University. There is heat oozing from every aperture. There is a deafening noise from the compressors and burners. There is broken glass strewn across the concrete floor and yet there is the facility to create something quite beautiful and delicate.'

4. Drawing by Luke Adam Hawker

Luke Adam Hawker used copic marker pens to draw these intricate trees. He is also author and illustrator of Together a metaphorical look at the events of 2020 - a reminder of what we went through together and the perspective that we gained.

5. Necklaces by Emma Mogridge

Emma Mogridge handcrafted precious metals - 24 ct gold plate and sterling silver to create these stand out necklaces. They are inspired by the ripple of ocean waves and the glistening pebbles found on the beach very much encapsulating the spirit of the ocean.

The next Craft in Focus event takes place in the equally impressive setting of Hever Castle in Kent from 12 - 15th May. To book your tickets, visit craftinfocus.com