Collecting a Kaleidoscope

'Deep bowl' (250x480mm) by Rupert Spira, 2004

A Crafts Council touring exhibition of 20 key Collection objects at Designed&Made, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 16 February to 6 April 2008

Collecting a Kaleidoscope is an exhibition of 20 objects from the Crafts Council Collection selected by Ralph Turner, renowned curator, writer and former Head of Exhibitions at the Crafts Council from 1979-1989. Collecting a Kaleidoscope is the fourth exhibition in the new Designed&Made gallery that opened in October 2007.

Ralph Turner’s love of craft started during a childhood in a Welsh coal-mining town where hand-making was a necessary part of everyday life. He believes craft offers a timely antidote to our current global culture. Through his very personal selection from a public collection we are offered an insight to the diverse and unique nature of contemporary craft and the breadth and depth of an exceptional public collection.

The Crafts Council Collection was started in 1971 and has since grown to become one of the leading collections of contemporary craft in the UK. The objects in Collecting a Kaleidoscope range across disciplines and include ephemeral pieces of jewellery by Naomi Filmer that melt upon the wearer, Bruno Romanelli’s serene spectral glass portrait and Alison Britton’s solid vessel Gob. The pure, quiet lines of Shin Azumi’s bench and Elizabeth Callinicos’ methodical and intriguing Group of Objects contrast with the raw energy of Simon Carroll’s anarchic thrown pot and further accentuate the vibrancy and range of this selection.

Collecting a Kaleidoscope represents the commitment of both the Crafts Council and Designed&Made to develop an audience for contemporary craft in the North East. By hosting Collecting a Kaleidoscope Designed&Made aim to bring craft of the highest international calibre to the region whilst also continuing their support of new and established regional designer-makers.

Collecting a Kaleidoscope is part of the Crafts Council Touring Exhibition Initiative that offers museums and galleries the opportunity to host innovative curated exhibitions showcasing the Crafts Council Collection.

Notes to Editors

• Collecting a Kaleidoscope was conceived by Ralph Turner in conjunction with the Glynn Vivian Gallery, Swansea, in June 2007

• There will be a filmed interview with Ralph by multimedia artists Light Surgeons as part of the exhibition.

• The innovative exhibition design by Amos Marchant uses PU rubber and recycled flooring materials and can be adjusted to fit any exhibition space.

• Collecting a Kaleidoscope is now available for hire. Please contact our Exhibitions department at: Tel: +44(0)207 806 2549 or Email: exhibitions@craftscouncil.org.uk

• Designed&Made is the leading organisation for designer-makers in the north east, representing 42 designer-makers. The gallery space hosts exhibitions and provides an outlet for their represented designer-makers to sell their work. Designed&Made have recently become the Arts Council England North East’s newest Regular Funded Organisation – a partnership that aims to raise the profile of Design and Craft to a wide audience in the North East.

• The Crafts Council is the national agency for contemporary crafts. The Crafts
Council aims to position the UK as the best place in the world for making, seeing
and collecting contemporary craft.

• For further information about the Crafts Council visit About us

• The Crafts Council is funded by Arts Council England. The Arts Council works to get more art to more people in more places by developing and promoting the arts across England and acting as an independent body at arm’s length from government. For 2006 to 2008, Arts Council England have six priorities: taking part in the arts, children and young people, the creative economy, vibrant communities, internationalism and celebrating diversity.

Visitor Information

• Collecting a Kaleidoscope exhibition is at Designed&Made from 16 February to 6 April 2008

• Designed and Made
Level 1, Live Theatre
Broad Chare
Quayside
Newcastle-upon-Tyne
NE1 3DQ
Telephone: 0191 229 2398
Email: info@designedandmade.co.uk

• Opening Times: Wednesday – Saturday, 12.30pm – 6pm

For images or other media enquiries about the Crafts Council please contact Jill Read, telephone: 020 7806 2549 or email: j_read@craftscouncil.org.uk or media@craftscouncil.org.uk