10 craft exhibitions to see in the UK this October
Idris Khan & Annie Morris: When Loss Makes Melodies
Let loose on Pitzhanger Manor, artistic couple Idris Khan and Annie Morris have used photography, sculpture, painting and embroidery to create works which interact with the 19th-century building's neo-classical architecture, and explore themes of loss and memory. Bespoke armchairs and bed linens by Morris can be found with her striking Stack sculptures, while Khan has made vinyl overlays for the manor’s windows.
Until 7 January 2024 at Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery, London
A Solo Show by Oliver Cook
You may remember that we quizzed carver Oliver Cook in our Spring/Summer 2023 issue, asking what draws him to working with alabaster. This simply-titled show at London's Flow Gallery sees him continue to use the translucent stone, combining it with dark Kilkenny limestone to create a series of monochromatic baskets, vases and sculptures – some pieces have even been made in pairs, intended to look like each other’s negative image.
7 October – 4 November at Flow Gallery, London
Crafted Selves: The Unfinished Conversation
Curated by social justice researcher and artist Cat Dunn, this group exhibition sees 13 Scottish artists examine the subject of dual identity. Through ceramics, textiles, installations, writings and more, their work reflects on the complexity of having two cultural heritages, and other personal conflicts. Adil Iqbal’s characterful fabric sandals are worth seeking out, as are Joy Baek’s clay works which address Korean culture and society.
Nothing Edible, Everything Sensible by Joy Baek Washroom Chapals by Adil Iqbal on show at Crafted Selves
End of Empire by Yinka Shonibare
Two figures balance on a steam-punk seesaw, each with globes for heads and sporting Dutch wax-fabric suits – it can only be the work of Yinka Shonibare. Made in 2016, the British-Nigerian artist’s End of Empire sculpture references the First World War and African lands formerly colonised by the Europeans; you can now catch it at Plymouth's The Box museum as part of its Revisiting History season.
12 October – 23 June 2024 at The Box, Plymouth
History in the Making: Stories of materials and makers, 2000BC to now
Past and present sit side by side in this comprehensive craft exhibition, where historic objects like a mid-17th century Mortlake tapestry from Woburn Abbey meet the contemporary ceramics of Shawanda Corbett, and hand-painted silks of Christian Ovonlen – both borrowed from the Crafts Council collection. Divided into six common material categories, this exhibition seeks to explore how craft has been changing through the ages and offers a look at what we’ll be making in the future.
21 October – 11 February 2024 at Compton Verney, Warwickshire
Sheila Hicks: Infinite Potential
Sheila Hicks has worked with vividly coloured threads for over six decades, pushing her use of material and techniques to craft pieces with dramatic effect. For this show the legendary American artist has created a sprawling site-specific work that commands an entire room of the Alison Jacques gallery, plus smaller weavings that experiment with warp and weft.
Igshaan Adams: Primêre Wentelbaan
Large-scale tapestries and ‘cloud-like’ hanging sculptures are the mediums South African artist Igshaan Adams uses to explore subjects of race, religion and sexuality. For this exhibition at the Thomas Dane Gallery, he's covered the walls and floors with interconnecting works that are suggestive of ‘desire lines’ – unofficial pathways used in the Apartheid era to connect segregated communities.
11 October – 16 December 2023 at Thomas Dane Gallery, London
Adam Buick: Grounding
Adam Buick learned to perfect the classic form of the moon jar from masters in South Korea but his ceramic pieces have more connection to the landscape of his studio in Llanferran, Wales, with him frequently using clays and glazes from the region. See them in his solo show at Ruthin Craft Centre, which also includes a selection of weathered works that Buick left outdoors to be worn down by the elements.
Georg Baselitz: Sculptures 2011-2015
As preparatory works for bronze sculptures, the raw timber pieces in this Georg Baselitz exhibition were never intended to be seen – sawn, axed or chiselled from single tree trunks, they undoubtedly have a kind of rugged appeal. See them at the Serpentine this month, alongside ink sketches and other process materials from the artist that give an insight into his creative world.
5 October – 7 January 2024 at Serpentine Gallery, London
Fashion City
This show celebrates how Jewish Londoners have shaped British style, including wedding dress maker Netty Spiegel who arrived in the UK on the Kindertransport, and milliner Otto Lucas who created hats for Greta Garbo. From East End tailoring workshops to boutiques on Carnaby Street, forgotten fashion stories from all over London are brought to life again.
13 October –14 April 2024 at Museum of London Docklands, London
