But in its 23 years the annual Chelsea Crafts Fair has done as much as anyone to change that image, and again presented by the Crafts Council it runs this month at Chelsea Old Town Hall in King’s Road, London SW3 in two weekly parts, from October 15 to 20 and then from October 22 to 27.
In all 224 exhibitors show at the fair, 112 different standholders each week so it is certainly worth two visits. This is considered by many to be Europe’s leading contemporary craft event with an international reputation for ingenuity and individuality.
Glassmakers, textile designers, ceramicists, jewellers and blacksmiths are among those purveying their skills at Chelsea Crafts Fair 2002.
Whether you are after fashion accessories, chic interiors, or well-designed functional objects this is the acknowledged forum to view, buy and commission the craftsman.
Exhibitors are chosen by an independent panel of experts with the crtiteria of innovative use of material and quality of craftsmanship.
Long established names join cutting edge innovators to present the best on the market, guaranteed to be not mass produced. Admission is £7 for a single visit.
The art of crafts
CRAFTS traditionally have not had a very design-led image, smacking more of leather sandals and worthy little woodcarvings than contemporary objects of imagination and flair.
