2021
Meet the Maker event with Toby Cotterill
4th September 2021
We were delighted to welcome contemporary jeweller Toby Cotterill to the gallery to talk about his collaboration with ceramicist Anna Whitehouse. Visitors were able to explore his exciting sketchbooks, see the inspirations behind his collection, ask questions about the processes and techniques behind the work, see the tools of his trade and take a closer look at his jewellery.
Rambling Exhibition
26th June - 25th September 2021
This wonderfully eclectic show revelled in the pleasure of rambling; the path never trodden before, those tiny treasures picked up along the way and the ever-changing landscape. Makers from across the UK came together in this exhibition to offer their interpretation of the natural world through the mediums of jewellery, ceramics and mixed media. Work by Jane Bevan pictured.
Solace Print Exhibition
26th June – 30th October 2021
Solace was a print exhibition which encouraged visitors to take a mindful moment. Many of us felt an affinity with nature over the course of the last year and this show was a celebration of that connection. Solace brought together work from 5 prominent UK based printmakers (Julia Ogden, Phil Greenwood, Alice Pattullo, Tim Southall and Ashley Hutchinson (pictured), each used different printmaking techniques to encapsulate the great outdoors.
Anna Whitehouse & Toby Cotterill Showcase
27th July – 30th October 2021
Anna Whitehouse is a contemporary ceramicist and Toby Cotterill is a contemporary jeweller. Through their combined passion of nature and insect life, the pair were brought together and showcased two new exclusive collaborative pieces in this fabulous exhibition as well as complimentary collections of their own.
Lorna Jackson Currie Ceramic Showcase
6th November 2021 - 8th January 2022
One of the UK’s most celebrated ceramic designers and a firm favourite at the gallery, Lorna Jackson Currie is celebrated in this special solo showcase of her bold and beautiful tableware. Underglaze pencil designs, slips in vivid colours, often on a black background are all hallmarks of Lorna’s designs on a variety of handmade bowls, platters, cups and jugs.
The Winter Show
6th November 2021 - 29th January 2022
Our Winter offerings at The Craft Centre and Design Gallery have always been an exciting celebration of the very best of UK contemporary craft and this show was no exception. Handcrafted ceramics, textiles, 3D printed collections and works in mixed media by some of the most inspiring makers on the craft scene were showcased to tempt visitors over the festive season and beyond.
The Winter Jewellery Show
6th November 2021 - 29th January 2022
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With life returning to some kind of normality we curated a jewellery show to excite visitors when getting on their glad rags again to socialise. Stunning conversation starters for the unique individual by some of the most talented jewellers the UK has to offer. Sensitive to the changing world we now live in the galleries selection of works encouraged a mindful shopping experience where visitors could feel connected to the small businesses they bought from.
In the Spotlight
6th November 2021 - 29th January 2022
Intriguing jewellery, intricate paper artworks, ceramics and textiles with a twist; this year’s In the Spotlight makers were selected for their innovation in their chosen craft. Visitors were able to delve into amazing collections by Anna Cook, Helga Mogensen, Faye Hall, AliJoe Designs and Rachel Larkins.
Wild Print Exhibition
6th November 2021 - 19th February 2022
A Winter you could carried away to the places talented printmakers Hester Cox and Niamh Geraghty Morris explored in this group print exhibition. A deep love of their surroundings were brought to life by their wonderful printmaking allowing the viewer to reflect on their own relationship with nature. Hester's colourful and richly textured collagraph prints reflect her appreciation of the natural landscape and are often inspired by things that she sees whilst out fellrunning. From Niamh’s Devon studio, coast, moor and riverside are all nearby. With a desire to evoke and convey the sense of a place she combines drypoint and woodcut techniques with monoprinting to create a painterly quality to her printmaking.
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Nick Vorstermans Wood Showcase
15th January - 16th April 2022
Craftsman Nick Vorstermans of Studio Critical focuses his practice on using locally and sustainably sourced materials. He creates tactile handmade spoons, bowls, vases & other objects, out of green wood salvaged from urban trees that were trimmed or felled naturally. Nick received our very special Exhibitor Award at the Winter 2021 Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair. Our Artistic Director Florence awarded Nick the award for his amazing craftsmanship and sensitivity shown towards the materials he uses. We were delighted to offer him this special exhibition in our showcase space where his work was explored in all its glory!
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Spring: Blossom -
40 Years in the Making
5th Feb - 30th April 2022
An exhibition full of the joys of Spring! Jewellery, ceramics, sculptures and wall art by a selection of blossoming talented makers we've never worked with before accompanied by makers we’ve rediscovered from our remarkable 40 year archive including some real Yorkshire treasures. Vibrant colours and pattern, nature in all its glory and amazing wildlife were all explored by some of the most talented makers on the craft scene at the moment.
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The Joy of Glass: Part I
A collaboration with The Contemporary
Glass Society
23rd April - 4th June 2022
The Contemporary Glass Society approached us last year to collaborate with them for a very special showcase where The Craft Centre and Design Gallery would curate 25 makers for a two-part celebration of glass by some of the most renowned glass makers based in the UK and beyond. As it’s a very special anniversary for us this year and the International Year of Glass, we jumped at the chance of this fantastic opportunity to bring some outstanding glass to the city of Leeds, and to give it the spotlight it so rightly deserves. Part I was from 23rd April until 4th June.
Kate Brooks Solo Print Show
26th Feb - 18th June 2022
Kate is a printmaker and painter based in Derbyshire. She creates colourful screenprints based on the beautiful countryside around her encapsulating the beauty of flowers, trees and wildlife in all four seasons. This solo show was Kate's debut in Leeds.
To Have and To Hold Wedding Show
- 40 Years in the Making
7th May - 16th July 2022
This exhibition showcased perfect gift ideas for the first ten years of married life handcrafted with love from paper, cotton, leather, flowers, wood, iron, wool, pottery, willow and tin. We also showcased what we believed was the best in wedding jewellery and accessories today, traditional and contemporary. From statement engagement rings to bridesmaid gifts and that perfect wedding band, this exhibition was full of unique pieces To Have and To Hold forever.
The Joy of Glass: Part II
A collaboration with The Contemporary
Glass Society
11th June - 23rd July 2022
The Contemporary Glass Society approached us last year to collaborate with them for a very special showcase where The Craft Centre and Design Gallery would curate 25 makers for a two-part celebration of glass by some of the most renowned glass makers based in the UK and beyond. As it’s a very special anniversary for us this year and the International Year of Glass, we jumped at the chance of this fantastic opportunity to bring some outstanding glass to the city of Leeds, and to give it the spotlight it so rightly deserves. Part II was from 11th June until 23rd July.
Coast Print Exhibition
25th June - 1st Oct 2022
A happy place for most, the coast is a calming environment filled with the wonders of beautiful sea-life and the kind of joyful seascapes that take you back to holidays past. Four printmakers celebrated the coast through linocut, woodcut and screenprinting techniques for you to enjoy in this celebration of the seaside. The show featured prints by 2 printmakers the gallery has never worked with before; Rebecca Drury and Cathy King and some gallery favourites Liz Somerville and Yorkshire printmaker Sarah Harris.
Summer Sun - 40 Years in
the making
23rd July - 1st Oct 2022
Colour, pattern, texture; this exhibition had it all! Makers who play with these elements were brought together in this vibrant and playful exhibition. Whether you longed to get away or you were keen for some wistful nostalgia from sunnier times gone by this show put a smile on your face. As well as some popular names featured in this show we also selected some shining and rising stars of the future as part of our 40th anniversary year celebrations.
Jeremy Nichols - Solo Ceramic
Showcase
6th August - 1st Oct 2022
Renowned and celebrated ceramicist Jeremy Nichols joined our 40th anniversary exhibition programme with his first Solo Ceramic Showcase here in Leeds. His recognisable salt glazed pots are made from thrown and slipcast components and decorated with vitreous slip and stains which achieve his remarkable variations in colour, tone and texture. Added to this his expertise in salt glazing, and his pots come alive. We were truly delighted to be able to showcase this inspiring collection with us in our 40th anniversary year.
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Curios - 40 Years in the Making
8th Oct 2022 - 7th Jan 2023
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A collection of curios by some of our well-loved makers and some makers we’ve never worked with before were brought together. New collections by old favourites and collectable works to treasure for generations to come; featuring rare works made from vintage finds, leather, wood, wire, glass, ceramics and paper, these exciting keepsakes, sculptures and curios provided an opportunity to explore the very best of contemporary craft in the UK today.
Home - 40 Years in the Making
8th Oct 2022 - 7th Jan 2023
There really was no place like home in the 2022 Autumn/Winter offering from the gallery in its 40th anniversary year. Celebrated makers and their highly sought after collectable pieces were displayed in a homely setting highlighting the very best in unique conversation pieces for your home. We also introduced you to some makers we’ve never worked with before, giving you the opportunity to explore unique talents in the world of contemporary craft today.
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The Jewellery Show - 40 Years in the Making
8th Oct 2022 - 7th Jan 2023
This 40th anniversary year both established and new jewellers were celebrated to showcase the very best of contemporary jewellery in the UK today. The show was a perfect place to pick up unique and handmade pieces of jewellery to cherish forever and hand down to the next generation. Some of our carefully selected jewellers were invited to create an exclusive piece for our anniversary show and you were asked to vote for your favourite. The voting has now closed and our winner was Adele Taylor, who was featured in our In the Spotlight exhibition.
In The Spotlight - 40 Years in the Making
8th Oct 2022 - 7th Jan 2023
Over our 40 year history this annual exhibition has provided a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase intriguing contemporary craft collections made from unusual materials created with fascinating techniques. This year we curated a show that celebrated makers from our 40 year archive highlighting items to add to existing collections or to start collecting today with. Some of the featured makers were invited to create an exclusive piece for our anniversary show and you were asked to vote for your favourite. Voting has now closed and the winner was Adele Taylor. Congratulations Adele!
Reflections Print Exhibition
8th Oct 2022 - 18th Feb 2023
A chance to reflect on 40 years of printmaking at the gallery with some of our established printmakers including Anita Klein, Trevor Price and Simon Tozer and new to the gallery Flotsam Prints (Megan Hall). Carefully curated to incorporate a mindful theme of cold-water swimming which grew in popularity during the pandemic and abstract seascapes to calm the mind.
In Celebration of Mugs
14th January - 15th April 2023
Fancy or plain, functional or decorative, our celebration of mugs will make that morning cuppa a delight with a selection of drinking vessels handmade by some of the most talented ceramicists on the craft scene today. Carefully curated to showcase the skills employed to make this everyday object and to celebrate the originality in each design from form to decoration this exhibition will make you rethink your favourite mug as you choose a new favourite from our collection and not forgetting a teapot or two!
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Feather and Fur
4th February - 29th April 2023
This collection of well loved animals and feathered friends will put a smile on your face this Spring as we explore the work of ceramicists, jewellers, sculptors and mixed media artists all bringing the wonderful characters of animals and birds to life in their own unique interpretations. Domestic or wild, cuddly or otherwise, our curation is a fantastic display of contemporary craft made in the UK today; a celebration of all those animals we find ourselves having a soft spot for.
The Winter Show
7th October 2023- 20th January
The Winter Show 2023 will be a celebration of the very best of UK contemporary craft, showcasing skilfully handcrafted ceramics, beautifully formed woodwork, visually captivating glass, stunning contemporary jewellery and so much more, created by some of the most inspiring makers on the craft scene today, each carefully curated to tempt visitors over the festive season and beyond.