Mystery, Magic and Merriment
Brooch, Grainne Morton
Contemporary Applied Arts is celebrating the festive season with a good, old-fashioned Christmas selling show (until 29 January)
Called Mystery, Magic and Merriment the exhibition is unashamedly aimed at Christmas shoppers in an excusable attempt to cash in on our annual shopping spree. But being CAA, it’s not just a blatantly commercial gift show as it contains pieces by an impressive cast of designers and makers working in a range of media.
In the jewellery section, there’s work by Ruth Tomlinson, Suzanne Potter and Kathy Murphy amongst others. Ceramics include Gabriele Koch’s smoky earthenware pots as well as Merete Rasmussen’s strictly disciplined, minimalist stoneware sculptures, their cool abstract curves in marked contrast to Koch’s warmer forms. Textiles are represented by Jennie Moncur, who makes boldly coloured tapestries often depicting oversized natural details like fruit or flowerheads alongside striking abstract patterns. There’s also a selection of Eleanor Pritchard’s more muted blankets and cushions which make a nice contrast to Donna Wilson’s slightly kitsch, but oh-so-cuddly, knitted creatures. Other media includes glass by Bi-Me Ltd, metalwork by silversmith Rajesh Gogna and a selection of mosaic decorated figures by Cleo Mussi. Even the most demanding of shoppers should be able to find something.
www.caa.org.uk
