Processing Lichen & Other Matter

For London Craft Week 2019, The New Craftsmen presented ‘Processing Lichen & Other Matter’, a group show co-curated by designer and artist Charlotte Kingsnorth exploring rebellious manifestations of method and material.

A close up of the lichen patina on Charlotte's new furniture collection

The centrepiece of the show was Kingsnorth’s exclusive new bronze furniture collection showcasing her pioneering lichen patina finish inspired by organic fungi, in which layers of chemicals and pigments are applied to heated bronze to create a rich and expressive surface.

The new capsule collection includes a high console table, low table, mirrors and decorative items which was presented alongside other makers’ works co-curated by Kingsnorth creating a world of furniture, artworks and decorative accessories that all speak of alchemy and rudimentary matter.

Makers include artist Alice Walton, shell artist Tess Morley, textile design duo Paris Essex, glass artist Dawn Bendick, and designer Max Lamb. All presented work that has either been created by hacking into craft techniques or by using industrial processes to create art.

Throughout the London Craft Week, we explored how craft patronage is critical to the development of young makers. We hosted a panel discussion to debate these themes with Kit Kemp (Creative Director of Firmdale Hotels & Homewares Designer), Tord Boontje (Industrial Designer), Janice Blackburn (former Curator of contemporary Craft and Design at Sotheby’s) and Charlotte Kingsnorth.

Console Tables and Candle Holder from Charlotte's new collection