Craftworks Conversations: Talks Programme

Our ‘Crafting Futures’ education morning at Craftworks kicks off with a ‘power hour’ featuring four inspiring speakers who will go back-to-back and take the spotlight, sharing their success stories. We’ll hear how each of our panelists landed in the world of crafts and the journey they took to get there, from their inspirations and motivations to mastering their crafts and careers. These 15 minute discussions will be hosted by Jade IIke of Designing Futures – an organisation that supports strategy coaching to design businesses, individuals and young people.

You’ve discovered a passion for crafts or have eye for design, but how can this be channeled into a successful career or business? Our panelists share their tips on where to start when it comes to gaining experience, developing and refining your craft and launching a successful business. Expect practical advice, learnings and why ‘paying it back’ is essential to keeping crafting alive. This seminar will be co-chaired by Jay Blades and Josh Hudson, Furniture Lead Rycotewood at Activate Learning, who will be joined by Repair Shop’s Kirsten Ramsay and Daniel Durnin, Course Leader of Sustainable Product & Furniture Design at Buckinghamshire University.

Chaired by Caroline Jackman this discussion explores how skilled making can communicate about cultural or environmental issues and ideas. Caroline Jackman is on the advisory panel for Collect Open, The Collect Art Fair and has 20 years experience mentoring makers to develop their creative voices. Making and materials have their own subtle ways of highlighting important contemporary issues: Emily Jo Gibbs celebrates professional Makers by describing in stitch a slow act of admiration. Ikuko Iwamoto’s ‘Ghosts from the Sea’ series addresses environmental concern of overfishing through porcelain. Bridget Bailey investigates bio-diversity through dyeing the colours of an earth worm or using traditional fly-tying to make a midge.

Chaired by Loma Ann Marks, the Editor of Reclaim Magazine, we delve into the concept of ‘Mass Production Fatigue’, covering the movement away from mass-produced flat pack furniture and homeware – discussing how designers and consumers can incorporate craft and restoration, whilst aiming for zero waste, into their homes and projects. Panelists include Jules Haines, Founder of Haines Collection and Marc, co-founder of Hunt Vintage.

Join us for an intimate and inspiring discussion as we explore the transformative power of craft in the face of adversity. Crafting has long been recognized as a therapeutic outlet, offering individuals a means to express themselves, find purpose, and navigate the ups and downs of life’s journey. In this talk, we’ll delve into personal stories of resilience and triumph as our speakers share how craft became a lifeline during their darkest moments. Featuring carpenters Colin Norgate, Jason Lock and father and son Raphael and Tauri Meade.

Hear direct from Lulu Harrison, Sofia Karakatsanis and David Morrish – three makers who are carving out their niche in the craft industry. This seminar will be chaired by Deborah Pocock, CEO of QEST – a charity which supports makers on their journeys to excellence by funding craft training and education. They’ll share the hours, the training and the eureka moments that have shaped their practice; where tradition meets innovation in their processes; and how they are working with designers and brands today.

In this debate-sparking event, Jay Blades MBE will be in conversation with Jude Pullen, creative technologist and chartered engineer, to discuss why AI isn’t the enemy of traditional craft skills and artistry, but poor attribution is. Jay and Jude will host a lively conversation drawing on sectors as diverse as engineering to the culinary arts, to show makers how, with proper attribution, we can preserve the essential poetry and storytelling of making alongside AI-assisted design, enhancing the discoverability of artisans and ultimately helping to future-proof the craft sector.