News

A new exhibition – Jay Blades presents Craftworks – is proud to announce an exciting partnership with Cox London, an award-winning studio and workshop, which celebrates traditional craft within a thriving modern business.

Partnering with Craftworks feels like a natural alliance to Cox London, as Creative Director, Chris Cox, explains: “Cox London champion using the head, heart and hand to design and make objects that truly resonate. Craftworks supports that wonderful tradition and provides the perfect platform to promote the well-crafted. Together with Jay and his team, Cox London is committed to nurturing and securing the future of great makers.”

Cox London’s exceptional craftsmanship will be on display at the show with a dedicated space showcasing its artworks. Nicola and Chris will join many other industry experts on a series of panel events and seminars. The inspiring programme will be announced in due course.

Founded by sculptor-makers Chris and Nicola Cox in 2005, Cox London is known for creating exceptional pieces of lighting, furniture, and artworks inspired by the flow and structure of natural design and order, using craft skills both ancient and modern. Cox London serve a global clientele of private clients, collectors, interior designers, galleries and institutions from its North London workshop studios and the Pimlico Road showroom.

Nicole Chrysostomou, Event Director, said: “We're pleased to announce that Cox London will be joining us as our headline sponsor for the inaugural Jay Blades presents Craftworks at Shoreditch Town Hall. Cox London's expertise in artisan craftsmanship aligns perfectly with the values of our exhibition; they're a real success story of how honing your skill as a maker can grow into a global business. Together, we aim to showcase the excellence of British craft and design.”

Curated by furniture restorer and eco designer Jay Blades MBE, Craftworks aims to host some of the best contemporary craft and vibrant new makers, welcoming collectors, interior designers, architects, retailers, hospitality buyers and enthusiasts to discover, buy and commission original craft across disciplines and materials.

Held in London’s iconic Shoreditch Town Hall, Craftworks provides the perfect backdrop to showcase the skills of talented craftspeople and makers exhibiting their work at the event. Various exciting sponsors who share in the exhibition’s vision of securing the future of craft have already been secured, including online furniture and antiques retailer Hunt Vintage.

TV presenter, Jay Blades MBE, said: “I’m excited to bring Craftworks to life here in London, as it will be the first of its kind. This event will not only reflect my principles of great design, education, and restoration, but most importantly will ensure the future-proofing of the craft sector.”

So far, over 60 exhibitors are set to attend Craftworks, and the event has attracted endorsement from the country’s premier craft organisations and charities, some of which will be exhibiting at the event, including QEST, an art and craft educational trust created to sustain traditional British craftmanship; Heritage Crafts, the national charity for traditional heritage crafts, which works in partnership with the Government; and Design Nation, the leading membership portfolio for contemporary craft and design in the UK.

Jay Blades presents Craftworks will be taking place at Shoreditch Town Hall from 15–17 May 2024. Book your free ticket to attend here.

For more information or to register as an exhibitor, visit www.craftworks.show.