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Crafts CouncilCollections

About the collections

About the national collection of contemporary craft, our handling collection, library and archive


  • Crafts Council collection

  • Sam Smith - A Tigress In Lieu Of Stamps (1972) - Crafts Council Collection W3. Photo: Todd-White Art Photography.

  • Rodolfo Ramon Azaro - Tarzan (1973) - Crafts Council Collection J36. Photo: Todd-White Art Photography.

Primary Collection

The primary Collection was initiated in 1972 to document trends and innovation in the materials, processes, skills and technologies of contemporary craft and is now the UK’s foremost collection of contemporary craft. With over 1,600 objects, the primary Collection provides a distinctive, authoritative view of contemporary craft in its widest sense, from its interface with cutting-edge design to its crossover with visual art. 

Objects in the collections date from 1972 to present day and cover all craft disciplines including: ceramics, glass, textiles, furniture, metalwork, jewellery, lettering and bookbinding.

Some of the first purchases for the collections in the early 1970s were from studio potters such as Bernard Leach, Hans Coper and Lucie Rie. As the Collection has evolved it has embraced new technologies and digital developments in making, seen in the work of Michael Eden, Drummond Masterton and Geoffrey Mann. It also includes conceptual craft such as works by Barnaby Barford, Naomi Filmer and Paul Scott. Recent acquisitions have included works by textile artist Esna Su, ceramic sculptor Lawson Oyekan and jewellery artist Lin Cheung.

Handling Collection

The handling Collection was started in 1979 to support the gallery education programme in place at the time. Many of the objects in this collection are accompanied by samples, sketches, books and background material. 

The current collecting policy prioritises original work that embodies rich learning potential, especially in its physical and tactile qualities for handling, as well as makers’ conceptual or narrative approaches. There has always been an emphasis on acquiring works by makers who have been involved in key Crafts Council projects, programmes and specific exhibitions, and whose work is relevant to Crafts Council goals and research interests.

Recent acquisitions to the Handling Collection include works by textile artist Yemi Awosile and artist Jasleen Kaur.


  • Magdalene Odundo - Asymmetrical Reduced Black Piece (1992) - Crafts Council Collection P423.

The Crafts Council understands that handling craft objects is a powerful tool in learning, and offers regular sessions for people to access our Handling Collection in the gallery. Our What’s on section will list details of these sessions.

In addition to these two object based collections, we also hold substantial archives of materials, oral histories, and a Library collection. These are primarily housed in our study area at our Gallery in London - details of how to visit the gallery and access these materials can be found here.

Both collections continue to grow each year via an active programme of acquisitions based on criteria set out in our Acquisitions Policy.


  • David Gates - Perpetually Ajar II (2015-17) - Crafts Council Collection 2018.2. Photo: Stokes Photo Ltd.

The Collections includes works from makers of international standing including: Tomoko Azumi, Michael Brennand-Wood, Alison Britton, Caroline Broadhead, Toord Boontje, Edmund de Waal, Tom Dixon, Magdalene Odundo, Michael Marriott, Junko Mori, Grayson Perry, Julian Stair, Simone ten Hompel and Adi Toch, Simon Hasan and Michael Anastassiades.

We are still actively acquiring contemporary craft for the nation and we want these objects to be seen by as many people as possible in order to inspire, enlighten and educate.

If you are a venue that complies with museum standards of best practice you can borrow from our Collections. We lend to a variety of organisations and institutions including museums, art galleries, hospitals, universities, schools, heritage buildings and corporate venues. 

Objects can be loaned in a number of ways and for different durations. We loan works nationally and internationally.

Our Collections team is happy to discuss an application for a loan and what may serve your needs best.  We endeavour to make quick decisions and support you in using the object/s to maximum impact within your venue. 

For more information contact the Collections team

Access the Collections online

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Crafts Council
44a Pentonville Road
London N1 9BY

reception@craftscouncil.org.uk
+44 (0)20 7806 2500

Reg. charity no. 280956

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