In October 2006 a new selling event at Somerset House in London, presented by the Crafts Council, will take the place of Chelsea Crafts Fair.

Chelsea Crafts Fair has been in existence for 26 years with an average of 220 designer-makers exhibiting each year.  This new event will enable 300 designer-makers to sell high-quality contemporary craft directly to the public presenting a bigger and better experience for both visitors and exhibitors.

The new event will be held in a marquee in the courtyard at Somerset House and the dates for 2006 are week one 3 to 8 October and week two 10 to 15 October.  This change in dates means the first week will take place at the same time as Goldsmiths’ Fair from 2 to 8 October 2006.

Additional aspects of the selling event will also be developed, including an educational programme and a curated presentation.  Full details of the new event will be announced in January, including how to apply to exhibit.

Julian Stair, Acting Chair of the Crafts Council, said “This is an exciting development for the contemporary craft sector. The central location that Somerset House affords will be an exciting destination for our regular visitors, but will also bring contemporary craft to a much wider audience. It will also enable us to offer significantly more opportunities for makers to exhibit and sell their work. It is a pleasure to be working in partnership with Somerset House to make these changes possible.”

This is the first outcome of the Crafts Council’s new way of working. It will be followed by many more new partnerships aimed at invigorating contemporary craft in the UK.

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