APPLY NOW! Future Icons Selects 2024

Future Icons Selects – 15-19 May 2024

You are invited to apply for Future Icons Selects curated by Louisa Pacifico of Future Icons. For this edition we are seeking to showcase 70+ contemporary makers across Oxo Tower Wharf’s iconic Bargehouse building. 

In May 2023, we launched the inaugural Future Icons Selects during London Craft Week. We welcomed over 2200 visitors across 4 days to view the collections by our 71 artisans. Feedback from exhibitors included that they sold works, gained bespoke commissions, connected with significant global brands for future projects and many of whom have now been featured in print and online press.

We are not like other events, we carefully curate every space within the Bargehouse to give visitors and exhibitors a unique and contemporary experience. We do not believe in boxing creatives into 3x2m spaces, our showcase places likeminded and premium makers together to allow our commercial and public visitors to visualise how they can work and live with your collections.

We are looking to showcase a strong cross section of contemporary craft, focusing on materiality, process and original design. We want our visitors to be ‘wowed’ by the breadth of talent within our industry – so all applications will be considered.

Please note - you do not need to be a member of Future Icons to apply. This opportunity is open to all makers across all disciplines.

Scroll down to download the application form - deadline for applying is 3 November 2023. For further information please contact Future Icons’ Founder Louisa Pacifico via louisa@futureicons.co.uk

Selected images from Future Icons 2023 & G . F Smith showreel

Video created by Future Icons Selects 2023 sponsor: www.gfsmith.com

APPLY NOW! Future Icons Selects

Future Icons Selects – 10-14 May 2023

You’re invited to apply for Future Icons Selects curated by Louisa Pacifico of Future Icons. For this edition we are seeking to showcase up to 100 contemporary makers across Oxo Tower Wharf’s iconic Bargehouse building.

Traditionally, we showcased members from Future Icons at Oxo Tower Wharf’s show; The Future of Craft. This event hosted a number of organisations and collectives in separate rooms, which has attracted over 2000 visitors across our private view and 4 public viewing days. To take it to the next level, we have decided to take over the entire venue and curate each room with multidisciplinary craft makers, a journey of discovery for visitors.

We are looking to showcase a strong cross section of contemporary craft, focusing on materiality, process and original design. We want our visitors to be ‘wowed’ by the breadth of talent within our industry – so all applications will be considered. We are also looking to host a pre-paid workshop area for makers to provide 2h taster workshops in. This will be an opportunity for you to recoup your exhibiting fee.

Please note - you do not need to be a member of Future Icons to apply. This opportunity is open to all makers across all disciplines.

Scroll down to download the application form - deadline for applying is 31 January 2023. For further information please contact Future Icons’ Founder Louisa Pacifico via louisa@futureicons.co.uk

Future Icons returns to The Future of Craft exclusively for London Craft Week

Future Icons is proud to announce their return to The Future Of Craft at Oxo Tower Wharf exclusively for London Craft Week 2022.

Following our inaugural show in 2019, Future Icons will curate a showcase of contemporary multidisciplinary makers alongside organisations and collectives from Design Nation, textile makers from Cockpit Arts and the RCA.

With over 100 makers across 4 floors of the Oxo Tower Wharf's Bargehouse, we will present a series of free talks and maker demonstrations for our visitors to enjoy too.

Read on to download your free tickets to attend the show and our talks programme.

Click on the following images for further information on each maker

The Future of Craft: Talks Programme 2022

Top left to bottom right: Georgia Bosson, Grant Gibson, Jessica Burgess, Jenny Parker

This year, we have lined up a stellar free talks programme for you to attend. Simply click on the links below to reserve your space, we only have 50 tickets available for each talk!

Friday 13 May

12pm: Joint Endeavours by Cockpit Arts- Panel Discussion on Creative Collaboration: Book here

2pm: Preparing to Scale & Outsource Manufacture for Design & Craft Business with Jenny Parker and Cecily Vessey: Book here

Saturday 14 May

2pm: The Craft of Conservation with Soteria Conservation's Jessica Burgess and artist Anna McDowell: Book here

4:30pm: Materials & Makers with Grant Gibson, Material Matters: Book here

Sunday 15 May

11am: Making Conversation: Live Podcast Recording: Book here

The Future of Craft: Maker Demonstrations 2022

Top row left: Emily Jo Gibbs / Right: Bridget Bailey. Bottom row L-R: Lucie Summers, Lark & Bower, Vickey Cowin

On Thursday 12 & Sunday 15 May, we are proud to host a series of maker demonstrations for our visitors to enjoy and learn from . Our makers will be happy to show you their techniques and this will be your opportunity to meet them and pose those questions you've always wanted to ask!

Thursday 12 May

12pm-3pm:

  • LUCIE SUMMERS: Lucie will be showing the results of her unusual practice of printing onto plastic during. Lucie uses a combination of dye and heat with waste heat with waste plastic to create beautiful, colourful ‘sequins’ which are then sewn onto a background. Lucie will show the journey from humble milk carton to finished samples and talk through each process required to create her unique pieces. Visitors will be able to sort through the prepared plastic and choose their own sequins and stitch them to the wool felt Lucie will be working on during the demonstration.

  • VICKY COWIN & KENDALL CLARKE: Kendall and Vicky will be weaving with paper yarn on an 8 shaft table loom, demonstrating different weave patterns.They will be there to talk about their work, process and inspiration.

  • EMILY SMITH: Jeweller and Metalsmith Emily will be demonstrating how she creates the tiny figures for her collection, Make Jewellery Not War

3pm-6pm:

  • BRIDGET BAILEY: Bridget Bailey will demonstrate making her grasses for her flora and fauna artworks using feathers inspired by fly tying and millinery techniques. Bridget wants to showcase the idea of giving these traditional skills a new angle in the work she is creating now.

  • LARK & BOWER: Come and try your hand at some off-loom weaving with Sarah Ward of Lark and Bower, using colourful yarns, a needle and thread and a piece of wood!

Sunday 15 May

2pm - 5pm:

  • EMILY JO GIBBS: Emily will be demonstrating how she layers hand stitches translucent fabrics to make her delicate appliqué pictures.

  • NAT MAKS: Take a look behind the scenes of the traditional Japanese Art of marbling ’Suminagashi’ translated as ‘ink floating’. Natascha will be introducing you to the inspiration behind her most popular colour palettes of her hand marbled wallpaper designs.

  • IKUKO IWAMOTO: Ikuko demonstrates how she creates her dotted, thorn and spiky surface decoration with porcelain

  • BRONWYN HIGGINGS: Bronwyn demonstrates her signature sgraffito style, showcasing her process from illustration to ceramic art.

The Future Of Craft
12 - 15 May 2022

Oxo Tower Wharf Bargehouse
Bargehouse Street, Southbank, London SE1 9PH

Opening hours 11am - 6pm daily
Private View: Wednesday 11 May 6-9pm

Click here for your free ticket to attend

To book a private appointment with our makers, please contact Future Icons’ Founder: Louisa Pacifico on +44 (0) 7838 102 031 or via email: louisa@futureicons.co.uk

*New Show* Future Icons London Craft Week 4-10 October '21

Future Icons is proud to announce their return to London Craft Week, with a new partner and venue, By Residency located in the Islington Square Development on Upper Street, London.

Titled; Craft by Residency, our showcase of 14 leading craft practitioners will take over this stunning new space exclusively for London Craft Week 2021. Here you'll meet guest maker Nat Maks and witness daily demonstrations alongside viewing new works and installations in this curated journey of multi disciplinary crafts.

Scroll down to view selected images of participating makers and click here to download our latest press release for this show too.

Click on the following images for further information on each maker

Craft by Residency
4 - 10 October 2021

Residency, Unit G12, North Arcade 129E
Upper Street, Islington, N1 1QP.

Opening hours are 10am - 6pm
with a late night on Tuesday 5th October between 6pm - 9pm.

To book a private appointment with our makers, please contact Future Icons’ Founder: Louisa Pacifico on +44 (0) 7838 102 031 or via email: louisa@futureicons.co.uk

Special Events at Future Icons Presents, Burlington Arcade // June 2021

In association with Mayfair Art Weekend, Future Icons returns to the prestigious Burlington Arcade throughout June 2021 to showcase new collections of artworks, home furnishings, fashion accessories and objet d’art from 18 premium craft brands.


Located on the Piccadilly end of the arcade, Future Icons has taken over 66-67 Burlington Arcade, a stunning double fronted boutique across three levels. Our makers have created collections from wood, metal, ceramics, textiles and leather.

Special Events:

In the lead up to Mayfair Art Weekend, Future Icons would like to invite you to a series of events, where you’ll be able to meet the artist, view demonstrations and view a world exclusive animation, backed by the Arts Council England. Read on for further information.

Weaving Demonstrations by Elizabeth Ashdown MA RCA // 12,17 & 29 June

Elizabeth Ashdown MA RCA is an artist working with the rare and unusual technique of hand woven Passementerie. Elizabeth combines vivid and energetic colour, unusual materials and traditional craft skills with a contemporary aesthetic in order to create intriguing and playful artworks. Every part of Elizabeth's work is created by hand – from carefully dyeing silk yarns in vibrant colours, to spinning cords and meticulously weaving her intricate artworks.

Elizabeth will be weaving one of her Passementerie artworks live on the ground floor of our gallery window during the following times. Entrance is free and there is no need to pre book to view.

·        Saturday 12 // 11-1:30

·        Thursday 17 // 11-1:30

·        Tuesday 29 // 11-1:30

THE MASTERPIECE OF TAMAGATA

First glimpse of a secret animated world under Burlington Arcade

For one week only 16-23 June

Hidden underneath Burlington Arcade, behind a secret door is The Masterpiece of Tamagata. Projected into a scale model of a Japanese house is a tiny hand-painted animation showing the master painter Tamagata at work. As he paints, a liberated world of expressive ink-wash marks jumps into life on a large six-panelled screen behind, using projection mapping techniques to create an ethereal landscape.

This installation is the first glimpse of a 15-minute animated film currently in production at creative studio Figuration. It tells the story of an artist who paints a secret child for his wife, putting them both on a collision course with the Shogun. It is based on a short story by Betty Misheiker and brought to life by artists Ilona Suschitzky and Leo Crane, writer Roy Joseph Butler and composer Anna Rice. The installation has been designed and built by Leo Crane and Helen Mason, with Sam Meech as projection mapping consultant.

You can join us and help make Tamagata's painted world a reality. Find out how to support the project at www.figuration.co/tamagata. 

The installation will be open for viewing Wednesday 16 - Wednesday 23 June, 11-6 each day. Viewing is restricted to two visitors at a time or one 'bubble' group. To prebook. email leo@figuration.co.

Meet the Maker Drinks Reception

Future Icons welcomes you to meet our makers on Tuesday 22 June, 3-6pm (arcade closes at 7pm). Here you’ll be able to view collections, discuss the inspiration behind the artwork and learn more about the intricate processes that our makers have mastered to create their collections.

RSVP is essential as we must limit numbers. To attend this event, please email louisa@futureicons.co.uk

Future Icons Presents
3 - 30 June 2021

Burlington Arcade
Unit 66-67, 51 Piccadilly, Mayfair, London W1J 0QJ

Public opening times
11am - 6pm daily

To book a private appointment with our makers, please contact Future Icons’ Founder: Louisa Pacifico on +44 (0) 7838 102 031 or via email: louisa@futureicons.co.uk

Collections on show from:

Animation Installation: Leo Crane MA
Ceramics: Ikuko Iwamoto MA RCA // Jo Davies MA RCA // Judy McKenzie MA RCA
Metal Artworks: Kei Tominaga MA // Rebecca Knott
Paper Artworks: Kate Lewis MA RCA // Katja Angeli MFA RCA
Leather Artworks: Louise Heighes MA // Janine Partington
Textiles: DUO-HUE // Elizabeth Ashdown MA RCA // Justine Randall MA RCA // Lark & Bower // Pipet Design
Wood accessories and artworks: Gabriel Eden James // Kevin Stamper // Lee Borthwick MA RCA

Future Icons Presents returns to The Burlington Arcade, June 2021

In association with Mayfair Art Weekend, Future Icons returns to the prestigious Burlington Arcade throughout June 2021 to showcase new collections of artworks, home furnishings, fashion accessories and objet d’art from 18 premium craft brands.


Located on the Piccadilly end of the arcade, Future Icons has taken over 66-67 Burlington Arcade, a stunning double fronted boutique across three levels. Our makers have created collections from wood, metal, ceramics, textiles and leather.

Our boutique is open to the general public, 11am-6pm daily. We also still have a few private appointments available too, please read on for full details. 

New collections:

Future Icons is proud to presenting several new brands, many of which have not publicly shown collections in public before. This will be the first-time guests can view and handle these works, along with meeting the maker to discuss processes and the materials used.

Meet the Maker:

Throughout this special event, Future Icons welcomes visitors to pre book private appointments to meet our artists and makers on show. Within this 1-hour appointment, visitors will learn more about how the artworks have been crafted, the inspirations for the collections as well as a chance to handle works and samples.

Please contact Future Icons’ Founder: Louisa Pacifico on +44 (0) 7838 102 031 or via email: louisa@futureicons.co.uk to book an appointment.

Collections on show from:

Animation Installation: Leo Crane MA
Ceramics: Ikuko Iwamoto MA RCA // Jo Davies MA RCA // Judy McKenzie MA RCA
Metal Artworks: Kei Tominaga MA // Rebecca Knott
Paper Artworks: Kate Lewis MA RCA // Katja Angeli MFA RCA
Leather Artworks: Louise Heighes MA // Janine Partington
Textiles: DUO-HUE // Elizabeth Ashdown MA RCA // Justine Randall MA RCA // Lark & Bower // Pipet Design
Wood accessories and artworks: Gabriel Eden James // Kevin Stamper // Lee Borthwick MA RCA

 

Future Icons Presents
3 - 30 June 2021

Burlington Arcade
Unit 66-67, 51 Piccadilly, Mayfair, London W1J 0QJ

Public opening times
11am - 6pm daily

To book a private appointment with our makers, please contact Future Icons’ Founder: Louisa Pacifico on +44 (0) 7838 102 031 or via email: louisa@futureicons.co.uk

Images below in order of makers above:

Online Shopping Guide To Future Icons 2020

Need inspiration for gifting this season? Here's our pick of online shops from Future Icons
 

It's our favourite time of year, time to decorate the home and spoil loved ones over this festive season. This year we are presenting a number of Future Icons' online shops for you to buy gifts from directly from the comfort of your sofa.

This year, as a commitment to ensuring our members' businesses survive the current global conditions, we have decided to waiver any commissions on sales. This ensures any piece you purchase, our members will receive the full amount to support their business.

Read on to discover our selection of gifts and make sure to click on their images to view the full collections.

Earlier this year, Claire Coles took inspiration from the fora and fauna of her daily walks in Norfolk to create a new collection of botanical watercolour and machine stitched artworks. Following the success of this collection, Claire has designed C…

Earlier this year, Claire Coles took inspiration from the fora and fauna of her daily walks in Norfolk to create a new collection of botanical watercolour and machine stitched artworks. Following the success of this collection, Claire has designed Christmas cards and leather oak leaf tree ornaments to compliment this series.

Cards, ornaments and original artworks are for sale by clicking here.

It's all in the detail when you are entertaining, so make sure you have perfect serving accessories with Lee Borthwick's bowls and platters. Lee has collaborated with woodworker Dan Wynde to create this striking collection, Working only with sustain…

It's all in the detail when you are entertaining, so make sure you have perfect serving accessories with Lee Borthwick's bowls and platters. Lee has collaborated with woodworker Dan Wynde to create this striking collection, Working only with sustainably sourced English Ash, Sycamore, Beech and Oak, each piece has been finished with a wide range of patterns using pyrography.

Prices from £45. Shop the collection by clicking here.

Famed for his intricate embroidered artworks, Richard McVetis now offers online hand embroidery workshops. Participants will explore a combination of traditional hand embroidery techniques, how you do it, and why you do it. We will explore the slown…

Famed for his intricate embroidered artworks, Richard McVetis now offers online hand embroidery workshops. Participants will explore a combination of traditional hand embroidery techniques, how you do it, and why you do it. We will explore the slowness and rhythms of hand stitching; the versatility and strengths of embroidery for drawing and mark-making; and the pleasure in having time to make.

We think this would make the perfect gift, you are able to book online for courses up until January 2021 or alternatively you can purchase a gift card here.

Helen Beard's charming illustrations of everyday life adorn her English bone china Dailyware collection. Swimmers, botanicals, creatures, allotments and London life are just a few of the series you'll discover on her online shop. We particularly lov…

Helen Beard's charming illustrations of everyday life adorn her English bone china Dailyware collection. Swimmers, botanicals, creatures, allotments and London life are just a few of the series you'll discover on her online shop. We particularly love the sets of mugs and vases for gifts this season.

Prices from £15, view the whole collection by clicking here.

During 2020, Kate Lewis created a series of Bees collaged from newspapers to signify us all working together to combat Covid-19. These original artworks make the perfect gift to say thank you to the people who helped you through 2020. A number of fr…

During 2020, Kate Lewis created a series of Bees collaged from newspapers to signify us all working together to combat Covid-19. These original artworks make the perfect gift to say thank you to the people who helped you through 2020. A number of frames are available to compliment these original artworks, hand made by fellow Future Icon; Kevin Stamper.

You'll also find prints and originals available through the online shop. Kate also welcomes customisation of initials and numbers into these artworks and is offering this service for free on all orders for this lockdown period. Orders must be made by 1 December.

London based ceramicist Ikuko Iwamoto has added new collections to her established online shop. We particularly love the new additions to the Spiky collections. There is a wide range of table top ceramics and artwork available through Ikuko's online…

London based ceramicist Ikuko Iwamoto has added new collections to her established online shop. We particularly love the new additions to the Spiky collections. There is a wide range of table top ceramics and artwork available through Ikuko's online shop and welcomes bespoke commissions until 1 December.

Ikuko is offering free shipping for all purchases until 14 December using code (P5LUYVK)

You'll be be spoilt for choice with the collections of silk scarves and umbrellas available by Pipet Design. Look out for Pipet’s mini scarf collection priced just at £45, these make the perfect stocking filler. We also know many of us are very part…

You'll be be spoilt for choice with the collections of silk scarves and umbrellas available by Pipet Design. Look out for Pipet’s mini scarf collection priced just at £45, these make the perfect stocking filler. We also know many of us are very particular with our fashion choices, so Pipet Design has now launched a gift card for you to give to your discerning loved ones.

Shop the collections here

Launched only a few months ago, Kevin Stamper's inlaid marquetry boxes have been snapped up contentiously through a number of shops and galleries across the UK. Fear not, Kevin has restocked his online shop with new colourways, designs and has even …

Launched only a few months ago, Kevin Stamper's inlaid marquetry boxes have been snapped up contentiously through a number of shops and galleries across the UK. Fear not, Kevin has restocked his online shop with new colourways, designs and has even found time to design and make a new mirror collection too.

Shop the collections here

You'll find a plethora of interior hand thrown porcelain pieces on London based ceramicist Jo Davies' online shop. Working predominantly in white and black, Jo has illuminated some of her works with 24ct gold leaf to bring that extra sparkle to your…

You'll find a plethora of interior hand thrown porcelain pieces on London based ceramicist Jo Davies' online shop. Working predominantly in white and black, Jo has illuminated some of her works with 24ct gold leaf to bring that extra sparkle to your table. Deadline for orders is 18 December, however you are welcome to collect orders directly from the studio until 23 December.

Shop the collections here

As you know, our collections are largely interior focused, however we are simply obsessed with Kei Tominaga's jewellery collections. Elegant, timeless and adaptable from day to evening wear, these are simply staples for jewellery collections. Pictur…

As you know, our collections are largely interior focused, however we are simply obsessed with Kei Tominaga's jewellery collections. Elegant, timeless and adaptable from day to evening wear, these are simply staples for jewellery collections. Pictured is the Knot bangle which is available in silver, gold and can be customised with diamonds if required.

Shop the jewellery and home accessory collections here

Future Icons at London Craft Week & Mayfair Art Weekend 2020

Discover our collections during London Craft Week & Mayfair Art Weekend

It's been almost 1 month since we opened our doors at the Burlington Arcade in Mayfair. It's been such a joy to meet many of you again, thank you so much for your continued support.

This October, we are proud to announce our partnerships with London Craft Week & Mayfair Art Weekend. To celebrate these events, we have re-curated the space and added more collections for you to view and buy.

Read on to learn more how to attend these events and find out where you'll be able to view other Future Icons' across town for London Craft Week 2020.

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We are super thrilled to be an official partner again for London Craft Week. For the 2020 edition, we invite you to view collections from 15 of our clients across 2 floors of our Burlington Arcade boutique. Comprised of home accessories, jewellery, furniture and wall-based artworks, our makers have created collections from wood, metal, ceramics, textiles and leather.

Meet the Maker:

Throughout London Craft Week (30 September - 10 October), Future Icons welcomes visitors to pre book private appointments to meet our artists and makers on show. Within this 1-hour appointment, visitors will learn more about how the artworks have been crafted, the inspirations for the collections as well as a chance to handle works and samples.

Collections on show from:

Claire Coles // Jo Davies MA RCA // Judy McKenzie MA RCA // Kate Lewis MA RCA // Katja Angeli MFA RCA // Kei Tominaga MA // Kevin Stamper // Laurent Peacock // Leo Crane MA // Louise Heighes MA // Pipet Design // Rebecca Knott // RHMB // Unit 3 // Zeinhab Harding

London Craft Week

30 September - 10 October 2020

Burlington Arcade
Unit 70, 51 Piccadilly, Mayfair, London W1J 0QJ

Public opening times
 11am - 6pm daily

Please note Future Icons Presents continues until 30 October 2020. Please visit our website for opening times outside events.

To book a private appointment with our makers, please contact Future Icons’ Founder: Louisa Pacifico on +44 (0) 7838 102 031 or via email: louisa@futureicons.co.uk

Click here to view our blog post on what to see during London Craft Week 2020

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For the first time, we are partnering with Mayfair Art Weekend. An annual celebration of the world’s internationally renowned gallery district.


This year, Mayfair Art Weekend is launching a new and extended programme of events throughout October, introducing: the Mayfair Sculpture Trail in partnership with Art in Mayfair 1 – 31 October; a curated artists’ moving image screening, the May Fair Showreel on Sunday 4 October, and the inaugural Mayfair Gallery Publication Award to be announced at the end of October.

For this event, our wall based artists include Future Icons; Katja Angeli MFA RCA, Kate Lewis MA RCA of the News Pressed, Leo Crane MA, Louise Heighes MA and Claire Coles. All artists will be presenting livable framed works which incorporate their traditional craft practice.

Please click on the sample artworks below to discover more about each artist.

Mayfair Art Weekend

2-4 October 2020

Burlington Arcade
Unit 70, 51 Piccadilly, Mayfair, London W1J 0QJ

Public opening times
 11am - 7pm daily

Please note Future Icons Presents continues until 30 October 2020. Please visit our website for opening times outside events.

Can't attend? We've uploaded the available art works on our Smartify App.
Click here to download the app and search for Future Icons.

Where to find other Future Icons during London Craft Week

Explore a combination of traditional hand embroidery techniques together with Richard McVetis in this two-hour online workshop from STORE STORE at The Barbican, part of London Craft Week 2020.

During this online embroidery workshop you'll explore a combination of traditional hand embroidery techniques together with Richard McVetis - one of the leading contemporary hand embroidery artists in the UK today. You will explore the slowness and rhythms of hand stitching; the versatility and strengths of embroidery for drawing and mark-making; and the pleasure in having time to make. Richard will be demonstrating simple hand embroidery techniques, no knowledge of embroidery techniques are needed.

STORE STORE is an innovative London based community project which have teamed up with the Barbican to organise a series of online individual artistic workshops. Designed to explore new materials and processes, every day a different artist, architect or designer is invited to teach a new craft.  

Click here to book tickets

Sadly, Future Icon Christabel Balfour is unable to open her studio for London Craft Week 2020. Christabel is however on show at Hauser & Wirth in Somerset. Full details about their current exhibition Hand & Land can be found here.