Contemporary Craft Meets Collectible Design: Highlights from London Craft Week at FRIEZE No. 9 Cork Street
This May, London’s design scene witnessed an inspiring meeting of contemporary craft and collectable design as FRIEZE No. 9 Cork Street hosted a curated showcase as part of London Craft Week 2025. Bringing together leading galleries, designers, and artists, the exclusive evening event transformed this renowned Mayfair space into a hub for material innovation, craftsmanship, and artistic dialogue.
FRIEZE No. 9 Cork Street: A Leading Platform for Contemporary Art and Design
Since its opening in 2021, FRIEZE No. 9 Cork Street has cemented its reputation as a key destination for contemporary art and design exhibitions in London’s historic Mayfair district. Operated by the team behind the globally recognised FRIEZE Art Fairs, the space presents a year-round programme of short-term exhibitions and special projects that spotlight both emerging talent and established names in the art and design world.
Set within one of London’s most iconic art neighbourhoods, No. 9 Cork Street continues to support artistic innovation and cross-disciplinary dialogue. For London Craft Week 2025, the gallery once again demonstrated its commitment to showcasing the very best in contemporary creativity.
London Craft Week 2025: Celebrating Craft, Design, and Material Innovation
Marking its eleventh edition, London Craft Week returned to the capital this May with a dynamic programme celebrating the art of making. From collectable design and contemporary art to fashion, interiors, and traditional craft, the festival offered a rare opportunity to engage with some of the most skilled makers and designers working today.
Through a combination of exhibitions, studio tours, installations, and talks, London Craft Week 2025 brought craftsmanship to the forefront of the international design conversation. The event highlighted how ancient techniques, material exploration, and bold creativity continue to shape contemporary design practice.
A Curated Evening of Contemporary Craft at No. 9 Cork Street
On Thursday, 15th May 2025, FRIEZE No. 9 Cork Street hosted a private view showcasing a curated selection of artists and galleries pushing the boundaries of materiality and form. The event formed part of London Craft Week’s contemporary design programme and brought together a diverse mix of exhibitors celebrated for their innovation and dedication to craftsmanship.
The presentations included works by:
An Ocean of Ideas – Known for championing conceptual design and thought-provoking craftsmanship.
Beton Brut – Specialists in collectable 20th-century and contemporary design at the intersection of art, furniture, and sculpture.
Brodie Neill – Renowned for his sustainable approach to design, transforming reclaimed materials into sculptural, functional forms.
NM Art & Design – A gallery recognised for curating contemporary design objects that merge craftsmanship with artistic expression.
Omer Arbel – The celebrated Canadian designer and founder of Bocci, whose experimental works in glass, concrete, and metal blur the lines between sculpture, lighting, and installation.
Sebastian Cox x Nat Maks – A collaboration combining British woodcraft with the organic beauty of hand-marbled paper, celebrating sustainability and material heritage.
Yali Glass – The Venetian glass studio known for exquisite, hand-blown glass objects that honour Italy’s rich glassmaking tradition while embracing contemporary design aesthetics.
A Showcase of Material Innovation and Design Excellence
The evening provided collectors, curators, and design enthusiasts with the opportunity to explore how today’s makers are reimagining traditional techniques and materials to create work that is both innovative and rooted in craftsmanship. From sculptural furniture and experimental lighting to refined glass objects and sustainable design solutions, the showcase exemplified the evolving relationship between art, craft, and design.
Set within the refined surroundings of No. 9 Cork Street, the event captured the spirit of London Craft Week, demonstrating that craftsmanship remains a vital force in contemporary design and continues to influence how we engage with objects, materials, and our environments.
Continuing the Celebration of Craft and Design
Though the event at FRIEZE No. 9 Cork Street has now concluded, its influence continues to resonate across London’s art and design community. The showcase reinforced the significance of collectable design and craft as part of the wider cultural conversation, celebrating the intersection of heritage, materiality, and contemporary creativity.
For those who missed the event or for anyone seeking inspiration from the world of contemporary craft, collectable design, and material innovation, The Fluxx continues to cover the latest exhibitions, makers, and global design events.
