HARVEST is a new contemporary craft fair celebrating regional talent and will take place in Edinburgh in October
Photography courtesy of Joanna Kitchener who will be displaying her ceramic work at HARVEST in October
Words by Roddy Clarke
Directed by independent design curator Dr Stacey Hunter in partnership with Craft Scotland, contemporary craft fair HARVEST is an exciting new addition to the country’s creative calendar with it bringing together the work of 80 makers across the categories of furniture, ceramics, homewares, textiles and jewellery. Taking place on 11-19th October, the fair will be located across the fourth floor of Edinburgh’s City Art Centre.
Photography by Grant Anderson of Dr Stacey Hunter, the Director of HARVEST, the new contemporary craft fair from Craft Scotland
With a wide spectrum of practices on display, it will include a selection of creative talent with the work of textile designer Eleanor Young, ceramics from Joanna Kitchener and the architectural furniture of Joe Ginniff being some of those on display. With many heritage crafts in need of a revival to ensure they don’t die out, the announcement of this new craft fair is welcomed, especially coming from a country steeped in craft and creativity. The fair also places them within the context of contemporary interior design while each participant has been asked to respond to different curatorial themes such as the seasonality of harvest time to bio-innovation and how craft connects with the culture of food.
Photography by Shannon Tufts showcasing the work of Liu Qiwei, another artist who will be exhibiting as part of HARVEST
In responding to distinct narratives, the storytelling aspect will also allow visitors to connect on deeper levels with the work they witness while showcasing how art and design can be an engaging medium for communication. Selected through Craft Scotland’s largest open call to date, the 80 exhibitors span a wide diversity of discipline and is set to be one of the biggest showcases of Scottish craft. ‘Now, for the first time, the public can see, appreciate and buy items from all over the country,’ Hunter continues. ‘From Orkney to Dumfries and everywhere in between. It encompasses Scotland’s modern craft movement, which is characterised by innovation, sustainability and a deeply held commitment to Scotland’s rich history of craft techniques and material specificity.’
Photography courtesy of Fun Makes Good featuring the textile designs of Eleanor Young who will be exhibiting at HARVEST
Also the founder of Local Heroes, a curatorial Scottish design and craft studio, Dr Stacey Hunter states her mission as director is to demonstrate that it is entirely possible to furnish one’s home with items designed and made in Scotland by craftspeople that champion sustainability and put years of knowledge and experience of making into every piece they create. ‘I’ve always felt that what separates ordinary objects from the things that we develop an emotional attachment to is in the making of them,” she says. “It is a privilege and honour to shine a light on the work of so many craft makers, as their work is often hidden from view – as are the processes that underpin them.’
Photography courtesy of Joe Giniff showcasing his architectural furniture creations which will be on display at HARVEST
Building on the success of previous Craft Scotland events, such as Summer Show and exhibitions at Collect and London Craft Week, this upcoming Fair is set to be one not to miss. It will also include an exciting roster of workshops, events and panel talks in which visitors can immerse themselves further into the world of craft while reconnecting with the intricate processes that go into the exquisite creations on display. While offering fresh perspectives for Scottish craft, it is also a reminder on the importance of community and connection within the sector. In bringing independent makers together it allows for future collaborations to occur as well as the opportunity to forge connections with like-minded makers that can offer advice and support throughout the creative journey ahead.
Discover the full list of makers here.
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