Origin

In a terrifying reminder of how quickly 2011 is going, news is already reaching us about exciting new plans for this year’s Origin Contemporary Craft Fair, with the deadline for those wishing to exhibit rapidly approaching.

In fact, it’s next week (29 March), so best prize those misshapen knitting needled claws away from the bobbins and what not and get applying.

A discerning panel will be poring over the entries this year, comprising Brigid Howarth, craft consultant for National Heritage and public sector programmes; Henrietta Thompson, editor at large of Wallpaper Magazine; designer Lee Broom; Michelle Alger, buying manager for home and gift at Liberty department store and Flow Gallery director Yvonna Demczynska. The selection panel will be chaired by Claire West, the Crafts Council’s director of programmes.

For the uninitiated, Origin takes place during London Design Festival, and sees craft including ceramics, furniture, metalwork, glass, fashion accessories, jewellery, and knitwear on display and for sale under one roof.

This year, Origin has partnered with London department store Liberty to create five new display windows featuring a selection of pieces from the exhibitors.

Michelle Alger, buying manager for home and gift at Liberty, will curate the windows. She says, ‘Liberty are very excited to be collaborating with the organisers of Origin 2011 in this way. I always enjoy attending Origin in my professional capacity as a buyer; I visit to make orders and commission work directly from the makers.

‘Last year’s inclusion of the event in the London Design Festival heralded a strong message about the desirability of contemporary craft.’

The Crafts Council invites applications from established and new makers of contemporary craft, working in all disciplines and at all scales, by 29 March.

Origin runs from 22-28 September at Old Spitalfields Market, Spitalfields, Brushfield Street, London, E1