Origin: The London Craft Fair, taking place in London from 2 to 14 October 2008, brings together over 300 of the most innovative designer-makers in the UK, including 23 Scottish makers.

During the event over 22,000 people visit the event to meet the makers and buy their work which includes glass, ceramics, jewellery, metal, furniture, paper, baskets, wood and textiles.

Eight of the Scottish based makers are exhibiting at the event for the first time and have received support from the Scottish Arts Council to attend the event.
 
Among the first time exhibitors are glass artists Brodie Nairn and Nichola Burns who run Glasstorm, a contemporary glass studio and Gallery in Tain. Commenting on being selected to exhibit at this year’s event Nichola Burns of Glasstorm said “We are delighted to in some way represent the very best of Scottish work and in particular Highland craft, we think it is important that Scottish based makers promote the buoyancy in the Scottish craft and art market on a national and international level”.

During the first week (2 to 7 October) Scotland will be represented by willow weaver Lizzie Farey, jeweller Sarah Keay, textile designer, ceramicist Andrea Walsh and textile designers Fiona McIntosh of Tessuti and Andrea Williamson.  Sarah is exhibiting for the first time, and so is Andrea, who is based on Shetland, and will be showing her range of knitted fashion and home accessories.

In week two (9 to 14 October) visitors can see wallpaper by Johanna Basford, glass by Brodie Nairn and Nichola Burns of Glasstorm, silver by Shimara Carlow, Sarah Hutchison and Jiyeon Hyon, ceramics by Craig Mitchell, felt cushions and accessories by Sarah Campbell of Mogwaii, fashion accessories by Tait + Style, knitwear by Jeong-Eun Lee Eedal and jewellery by Emma Gale, Yvonne Gilhooly, Grace Girvan, Emma Kinnell, Hannah Louise Lamb, Alison Macleod, Kaz Robertson and Dot Sim.  Jeong-Eun, Yvonne, Sarah and Emma are all first time exhibitors.

Origin, organised by the Crafts Council, is a new contemporary event which was launched last year at London’s Somerset House to replace Chelsea Craft Fair.  It is being held at Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA and tickets cost £8.  Open Tuesday to Friday 11am to 7pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 6pm, late night Thursday to 9pm. Find our more at www.craftscouncil.org.uk/origin