Victoria Delany was still a student when she first came to my attention. A winner of the NEWH Scholarships, her silversmithing designs impressed with their suitability for hospitality and the art of the table as we say in France. With work stocked by Seletti amongst others, she continues to develop her interest in traditional processes and […]
One-minute blog of interesting things
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As a working contemporary artist I visit many exhibitions and shows, but sometimes it is the things I see that are part of daily life that capture my interest. My one-minute blog of interesting things reflects the fact that although we are increasingly time-poor, there is creativity all around us. Email me at info@carolinebanks.co.uk with your name and email to receive a weekly post that only takes 1 minute to read.
Landscape trend at Maison & Objet – part 2 of 2
More from Elizabeth Leriche’s trend area at Maison & Objet: Chinese tea specialist Tana Azzam’s collection of “dream stones”, with patterns found in the natural world impressed, as did the Waddensee collection of porcelain by Maarteen Kolk & Guus Kusters inspired by the tidal action of the sea. The last room housed a site-specific installation by […]
Landscape trend at Maison & Objet – part 1 of 2
Elizabeth Leriche’s trend area at Maison & Objet is, for me, one of the most inspirational parts of the show. This time was no different with her take on the trend of landscape. Work by artists and makers included Anna Badur’s wind-blown dyed textiles and ceramics, delicately overlayed glazed ceramics by Jean Girel, and the […]
New blankets and towels from Stitch By Stitch
Graham Hollick and Karen Sear Shimali of Stitch By Stitch showed at Maison & Objet for the first time last month and were very happy with the response to their new collection of Kala towels and blankets when I saw them. Stitch by Stitch specialises in textile products from South Asia which are ethically sourced and produced by local artisans, combining their […]
Tate Britain gorgeously refreshed
The big change for me upon visiting the restored Tate Britain was the quality of light. It hits you as soon as you walk in due, in large part, to the rotunda under which is the beautifully detailed spiralling staircase. The members room is now finally in a proper space – I actively looking forward […]
Tracey Neuls footwear – for cyclists!
I just can’t function effectively in heels – I wish I could but it hurts so I’ve resigned myself to a rare high outing. I walk and cycle a lot so my lifestyle precludes teetering talons. Even kitten heels are difficult so finding smart stylish shoes that aren’t loafers or brogues is a constant challenge. That’s […]
Highlands and Islands showed at Craft, Earls Court
The Highlands and Islands have been on my list of places to visit for a very long time – so close yet a world away from London. It was therefore a joy to see the work of designers based there showing at Craft. Here are 3 companies I particularly noted: Diggory Brown make kilts, both […]
Sensing Spaces at the Royal Academy
Opening on Saturday, the seven architects in this new show at the Royal Academy have taken the “sensing” element seriously. Here are a few of my images.Kengo Kuma’s delicate bamboo structures above include the powerful sense of smell while Grafton Architects manipulate light for an almost religious effect. Diébédo Francis Kéré invites the visitor to […]
Home, Craft and Top Drawer – 3 trade shows in one place
I popped over to Earls Court last week for a quick visit to Home, Craft & Top Drawer on the opening day just to see what was happening and to keep my “commercial” eye in. This was the first time that there was a dedicated Craft section and I was curious to discover who was […]
Menswear by Samson Soboye
Ok, I know I don’t normally talk fashion but my spirits on a dank January day were lifted just seeing Samson Soboye’s new menswear collection. They make you smile and that’s always good in my book. Pharrell Williams needs to get some of this stuff!