Artisan Makers Return to Chelsea

Friday I visited one of my favourite parts of London - Chelsea. A trip to Chelsea always fills me with early teenage nostalgia of independent shops and restaurants and 80s cool, grunge and punk.

Chelsea with its proximity to the river and purpose built artists studios has long had a creative, bohemian feel which reached a plateau in the 1970s and 1980s when it became a favourite hang out of Vivienne Westwood, Malcolm McLaren, Mary Quant, The Sex Pistols and The Stones.   

Chelsea has now been gentrified and the retail chains have moved in, but it still has an edge over the average British high street. Clues of it's former self remain in the Chelsea institutions that are still thriving - Chelsea Arts Club - an exclusive private members club for artists, Heatherley School of Art and independent art supplies shop, Green & Stone of Chelsea.

The reason for my visit on Friday was not for nostalgic reasons, but for the three day event, Handmade Chelsea in Chelsea Old Town Hall organised by Handmade in Britain. Given it's history, Chelsea and Chelsea Old Town Hall provided the perfect creative setting for UK artisan makers and artists to showcase their handmade interior accessories, art, glass, fashion accessories and jewellery.

I spent a good two hours at the event absorbed in chatting to the friendly makers and admiring their work, interrupted only by a sugar low and a half hour break with a delicious jamon sandwich from the nearby Spanish Tapas Bar, Casa Manolo.

The quality and range of craft on display in the hall was impressive in terms of style and variety and it was heartening to see that there was plenty on sale that was affordable but still well made. I came away with a number of contenders for treasure+keep's list but these are a few of my favourites:

Pottery by 2HungryBakers

They are a two person team who started out as bakers and turned their hands to pottery and wood carving. I simply love the contrast between the texture and fleck of the handmade stoneware pottery and the hand carved grainy wooden lids and utensils.

www.2hungrybakers.com

Textiles by Pamela Print

Pamela is a textile designer and artist of handwoven, 100% wool cushions, throws, scarves and artwork. The textures, colours and geometric patterns caught my eye.

www.pamelaprint.com

Wooden homewares by Mythology

A two person team who handcarve homewares from London's felled trees giving a new life to wood that may have otherwise been burnt.  Mythology's homewares not only have a sustainable story to tell, but also a beautiful decorative grain.

www.mythologyfurniture.com

Ceramics by Syma Debbane

Ceramic artist, Syma hand throws elegant vases, dishes, vessels and bowls out of white porcelain trimmed with green, red or gold and decorated with tiny birds. Syma's dishes and bowls would make fabulous wedding gifts. Think love birds.

 www.symaceramicartist.com

Ceramics by artist, Yuta Segawa

Yuta and his team's work is inspired by the words of textile designer and great advocate of the British Art and Crafts Movement, William Morris; 'art which is to be made by the people and for the people, as a happiness to the maker and the user.' Yuta's team hand make glazed porcelain homewares in glorious colour combinations and designs.

www.sgwlab.com

I left the fair having made a few satisfactory Christmas purchases - some thoughtful presents to put under the tree for family and friends. Presents that are locally sourced and beautifully made to treasure and to keep.