Origin on the move
Origin 2010 will relocate from Somerset House to the newly refurbished Old Spitalfields Market from the 23rd-29th September 2010.
To apply before the 12 April 2010 deadline click here or to visit Origin’s brand new website go to www.originuk.org.
This exciting new venue in the heart of creative London and the new timing of Origin as a major presence during the London Design Festival will inject new life and a renewed sense of excitement into this highly respected, established event. For the first time, Origin: The London Craft Fair will take place as a unified event over one week, presenting more choice for visitors and increased opportunities for makers. Origin 2010 will be presented by Tent London for the Crafts Council.
Old Spitalfields Market is one of London’s most historic, vibrant, busy and culturally sophisticated destinations, situated between the City’s financial district and the fashionable East End. An extensive refurbishment by Foster + Partners was completed in 2008.
Origin was launched in 2006, replacing the Chelsea Crafts Fair as the UK’s principal selling event for individual makers. Attracting more than 19,000 visitors annually, Origin is a juried event presenting the very best of craft talent. Exhibitors are a mix of national and international makers, established names and emerging talent. Work shown will include ceramics, glass, textiles, jewellery and furniture.
Origin will now take place in September during the annual London Design Festival (LDF). The LDF attracts over 300,000* international visitors, who for the first time will have the opportunity to visit the UK’s leading contemporary craft event.
Consolidation into one week
Consolidating Origin into one week as opposed to two means that for the first time in its history visitors can see all 220 makers in just one visit, alleviating the limitations of the two-week system that currently exists. This move is equally beneficial for the makers who will consequently see more potential buyers. The new venue at Spitalfields will also provide a more spacious and comfortable environment for the visitor to enjoy the Fair.
A bold contemporary show design directed by Tent London will draw upon the many features of the newly refurbished venue to fully integrate the show into Old Spitalfields Market’s main space. The design will reference materials and techniques employed by makers to create a unique and stimulating environment, reaching beyond the 4 walls of the exhibition. Craft installations and interventions across the site will offer visitors a new way to experience craft in the public realm, on a scale that was not possible at Somerset House.
*Source: LDF
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Origin 2010 Full Press Release
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