Made in Clerkenwell coming soon! 2 buildings; 90 designers; the ultimate shopping treat...

Part of the Clerkenwell Design Week Fringe, Craft Central opens the doors to its two fascinating Victorian buildings. Made in Clerkenwell is an intriguing ‘behind the scenes’ chance to explore the workshops of our renowned design community - whether you’ve got an hour to pop in or a whole day to mooch, mingle with the makers in the studios where they work their magic. One ticket allows unlimited access over 4 days, including Thursday’s launch event (join us for a drink, handmade treats from Chop’s Cakes and music from DJs The Wedding Smashers).

Avoid the high street and opt for handmade! Prepare to be tempted by fashion, interior products, ceramics, accessories and traditional crafts by 90+ selected UK designers. Choose a gift, commission a unique piece, find a bespoke design service or just browse... this shopping treat is topped off by meeting the maker.

We’re famous for great jewellery design and this May is no exception. Adorn yourself with Sonia Cheadle, Sarah Stafford, Amy Keeper and Mark Nuell (amongst other big names). Continuing the fashion theme milliner to the stars (including Fern Cotton, Alexa Chung and Lily Allen), Katherine Elizabeth’s sumptuous hats will kit you out for summer parties. Spruce up your wardrobe with: Frilly by Lily’s up-cycled vintage creations; Outsider’s wickedly versatile ethical garments; Swithbert & Louis’ stunning British wool capes; and Dickie Wilkinson’s quirky men’s accessories.

Once you’ve decorated yourself, why not focus on your home? Michelle Mason’s popular London inspired interior products brighten any home,  find a world of intricacy in Ikuko Iwamoto’s studio with her exquisite ceramics, discover the narratives of Julie Vermeille’s endearing illustrations, and spot your favourite London street in Vic Lee’s unmistakable prints.

In the spirit of Clerkenwell Design Week our Showcase gallery (St John’s Square) is brimming with interior products with the Handmade for Home exhibition, including: Jo Davies’ sleek ceramics; Lucie Pritchard’s nostalgic printed textiles; Lok Ming Fung’s delicate and intriguing ceramics; Haidee Drew’s playful interior products; Laura Felicity’s elegant printed home ware; and Design K’s vibrant furniture. Celebrating London culture and architecture, London Kills Me bring their distinctive printed products to the Corner Shop (Clerkenwell Green).

Craft Central is excited to be part of the Clerkenwell Design Week Fringe. As well as Made in Clerkenwell: Summer Open Studios (24-27 May) and special exhibitions in the Showcase and Corner Shop (22-27 May), activity will include: Makers in Residence ‘live studio’ window display in partnership with Creative Clerkenwell (22-27 May); CIY: Craft it Yourself making workshops - have a go at throwing a pot, printmaking and knitting (22-23 May); and a Rooftop Talk on Clerkenwell History by London Historian and designer maker Jane Young (22 May).

Go back to the roots of making and discover the fascinating processes... and do some shopping whilst you’re at it! Refuel with refreshments from Chop’s Cakes and our food market in St John’s Square (24-27 May), including Wedding Trikes & Cocktail Campers, Anna Maes’ Southern Street Food, Don Arancini, and Mr Minton.