There is something compelling about glass: its clarity and reflectivity as well as the delicacy and intensity of colour. I find the alchemy of the material mesmerising so here are a few photos of what I saw at Collect earlier in the year. Looking through my photos I realised that there is a lot I want to share […]
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.
Lucy Norman, RCA Graduate
I had the chance to meet Lucy Norman at the NEWH fundraising gala at the Royal College of Art just before her graduation show. She is a product designer and showed her sun sills and mirrors, designed to deflect light into dark rooms, an absolute boon for basement flats and other murky places. Light fascinates her as this drinks set below shows. […]
The Great Northern Hotel at Kings Cross, London
This curved hotel re-opened in April 2013 right next to the wonderful Kings Cross extension so is still very new to the London hotel scene. The architects restoring and updating the building were Dexter Moren Associates with interior design by David Archer Architects. The bar is most people’s point of entry and, with its mirrored ceiling, has […]
The Chocolate Factory Studios in London
Although the Chocolate Factory is very local to me, I’d never been before so made the most of their open studios last weekend.There are 25 artists, designers and makers based there and it was a delight to explore this varied creative community. Here’s a small selection of the work I saw in no order of […]
One Year On at New Designers London Part 2
Well, Hugh Leader Williams, another Loughborough graduate, is really getting into his stride now after winning 3 awards at New Designers last year. His asymmetrical base flat pack tables and stools will soon be available to order from Made.com and he’s now looking at lighting. These nomadic lamps with leather-covered charger bases by Katharina Eisenköck , graduate […]
New Designers London Part 2
This year was a little different as I went round the show with a friend for whom this was a new experience. As a result I viewed things from a slightly different perspective and picked out something that I would otherwise have passed by. Here are images of some of the work we stopped at. […]
One Year On at New Designers Part 1
Celebrating the survival of recent graduates who are making a business from their work, One Year On, is a must-see part of the show. I wasn’t the only one amazed by the liveliness of Lauren Scott’s animals which have so much personality they’re almost crying out to be animated in a film. All her source materials […]
New Designers Part 1
New Designers is always an assault on the senses in the nicest way: making some sense of it is the challenge as there is simply so much to look at. Part 1 focuses on textiles, fashion, ceramics, jewellery and silversmithing. This year I found myself drawn to quiet work amongst the noisy throng. Here is […]
Summer at Mint for contemporary design
It’s always good to visit Mint and see who and what they’re showing. Here are a few photos from a recent visit with new work from makers including Valentin Loellmann, Nendo and Claire Coles . It’s a real mix . One thing is certain though, you’ll always find something original and beautiful whenever you visit. […]
The New Craftsmen in Mayfair, London
Recessions are invariably a time of creative energy. I love learning of new initiatives and this one is close to my heart as it concerns the connection of skilled makers with the commercial market. The New Craftsmen was set up in 2012 by Mark Henderson, Natalie Melton and Catherine Lock. They are currently to be […]