Eastern Promise

It’s all change for Origin, as it moves to Old Spitalfields Market in East London

It has a new logo, a new venue, new dates, and a host of new exhibitors. In short, Origin 2010 promises to be a little different. Now in its fifth year, the show is being presented for the Crafts Council by Tent London and will be held at the recently refurbished Old Spitalfields Market for one week during the London Design Festival.

Some things stay the same, however. And once again an expert panel of judges – including jewellery designer Adam Paxon, director of programmes at the Crafts Council Claire West, head of buying at Waddeson Manor Rosey Blackmore, and Jill Webb, brand development director for Conran – have carefully selected some of the best makers from both here and abroad. So such newcomers as paper artist Rebecca Coles and Debbie Smyth, who draws with thread, will rub shoulders with more established names like ceramist Chris Keenan and textile designer Makeba Lewis.

According to the Crafts Council’s chief executive Rosy Greenlees: ‘The re-location of Origin is a significant one, as the location and timing places it at the centre of London’s creative heart in Spitalfields during the London Design Festival. The fair has tremendous history and profile, and we hope that this new move will further reinforce contemporary craft in the heart of this vibrant part of London, to a new audience.’