12TH APRIL 2006
BUYERS GIVE VOTE OF CONFIDENCE TO THE BRITISH CRAFT TRADE FAIR (bctf)
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, bctf 2006 was host to over 500 exhibitors, representing the best designer makers in the UK and Ireland.
Philip Bunn, fair Director said ‘ registrations before the fair were stronger than ever before, and our final gate figure showed a small increase on last year, which in the current climate is extremely encouraging. Just over 3500 buyers attended during the three days and the
increase is a trend that started in 2003 and shows no sign of abating’.
Visitors came mainly from the UK but the organisers reported buyers attending from Australia, Canada, USA, Germany, Belgium and Norway.
‘Not only is our attendance increasing, but the quality and spending power of the buyers also continues to rise’ enthused Philip.
The highly coveted bctf awards uncovered some remarkable talent from both newcomers and established makers.
The Newcomers Award
Sponsored by the Craftsman Magazine the gallery is annually host to 70 exhibitors who have not exhibited at any trade fair before.
The gallery is full of talent and many of the exhibitors have recently graduated from university.
This years winner was Daniela Dobesova with her fabulous silver and gold jewellery. Daniela exploits the properties shape and material, such as the tension and elasticity of a spiral, to create unique contemporary jewellery whose beauty stems from the form itself, rather than relying on decoration or embellishment.
Daniela said ‘ winning the award was really fantastic, especially considering the overall high standard of work at the show. I am sure it will be a big help in building further recognition for me as a jewellery designer- maker’.
Daniela’s work can be seen on www.danieladobesova.com
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A highly commended went to Pia Leete of Firesprite for her hugely innovative fretwork and lighting designs.
www.fire-sprite.com |
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Gavin Marshall of GMA Glass Design also got a highly commended for his functional and sculptural glass.
www.gmaglassdesign.co.uk |
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The GA award for Excellence, sponsored by HH design went to Glover and Smith for their organic designs made from the finest lead free pewter.
Isabel Martinson Chief Executive of the Giftware Association said ‘ There are always so many attractive products at the British Craft Trade Fair and it is very difficult to choose the one that will receive the GA’s award for Excellence but Glover and Smiths beautifully crafted pewter oyster dish and spoon stood out
as a perfect gift. Its high quality of production, thoughtful presentation and value for money really caught the attention of the experienced buyer who was judging our
category’.
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A highly commended went to Jane Maddison for her unusual domestic-ware.
www.madkobie.co.uk |
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Emma Atherton won the British Jewellers’ Award for Excellence in Jewellery, and Lindsay Straughton, Senior Co-ordinator of The British Jewellers’ Association who sponsor the award together with HH design said ‘The trend for colour is a very strong story this year and Emma’s designs are well crafted, affordable and beautifully presented in up to the moment enamelled colours. The judges said they were spot on!’
www.emmaatherton.co.uk |
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The bctf Award for Excellence was won by Samantha Bryan for her mixed media sculptures. ‘We chose Samantha’s work because her range of fairies are a delight to the eye and her commitment to detail is quite incredible’, said Margeret Bunn, co-organiser of the fair. Samantha’s work can be viewed on www.brainsfairies.co.uk |
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Edward Mahoney, won highly commended for his hand raised vessels in silver and steel
www.ejmahony.co.uk |
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Highly commended also went to Tagblank for their unique range of limited edition jewellery and gift boxes.
www.tagblank.co.uk |
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Poppy Treffry won a commended for her unique range of bags, purses, tea-cosies and badges.
www.poppytreffry.co.uk |
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The 2007 British Craft Trade Fair will be held on 15th – 17th April 2007 and you can register through the website www.bctf.co.uk
For those of you who cannot wait that long, a Southern version of the fair called Design Edge will take place on 17th – 19th September 2006. Visitor registration is through www.designedge. uk.com
7TH APRIL 2005
ANOTHER ATTENDANCE INCREASE FOR THE BRITISH CRAFT TRADE FAIR (bctf) 2005, HARROGATE.
The trend that bctf set 5 years ago has continued with an increase of over 500 buyers from 2004 making the total attendance 3500 over 3 days.
Philip Bunn who owns the fair said ‘I am very pleased with this years bctf, which had just over 450 exhibitors - again up in number from 2004. Our fair has always been a bit of a closely guarded secret with buyers and it has taken many years to get the message out as to how fantastic bctf is, as it has emerged as the design led gift fair for the UK and Ireland.’
The award system that is in place and which is supported by The British Jewellery Association (BJA) and The Giftware Association (GA) highlighted some of the best work at the fair with precious jewellery designer maker Deborah Kelly taking top honours from the BJA for her easy to wear, simple in form, eye catching textured surface precious jewellery. www.quintasexual.com
Sarah Jones Ceramics successfully beat off strong competition for The Gift Associations Award for Excellence. Judges were looking for commercial viability of product and found it in Sarah’s textured vessels and lighting which use porcelain, paper, clay and stainless steel dressmaking pins in the design.
Sarah exhibited in the Newcomers section at the fair and winning the award is a huge accolade for her considering she has only just ventured into the industry. www.sarahjonesceramics.com
Pamela Rawnsley won the bctf Award for Excellence, where the focus is on design, innovation and creativity. The award is sponsored by Anchor UK (plc).
Pamela was selected by our panel for her jewellery, vessels and containers in patterned, plain and oxidised silver. www.caeraumetals.com
The bctf Newcomers award, sponsored by The Craftsman Magazine went to Sallie Temple Hand Woven Designs for her contemporary designs hand woven into fashion and interior accessories. Sallies hallmark is delicate weaves using natural fibres and subtle colours.
Sally can be contacted on oldfarm680@fsnet.co.uk
Over 100 exhibitors have already rebooked their stands for the 2006 bctf, which will take place at The Great Yorkshire Showground, 2,3,4 April 2006
For further details go to www.bctf.co.uk
UNLOCK THE SECRET!…THE BRITISH CRAFT TRADE FAIR
The British Craft Trade Fair (bctf) takes place at The Great Yorkshire Showground 3rd to 5th April 2005 and represents the absolute best jewellery designers and makers in the UK and Ireland.
2005 sees this legacy move on, with more exhibitors, new vibrant product and even more cutting edge design.
Over 400 exhibitors will be showing and the show represents the annual opportunity to see and order exquisite jewellery that will keep your outlet at least one step ahead of the competition.
Many of the exhibitors are new to the industry, having either graduated from university or recently started making from their own or shared workshop.
You will find lots of inspired contemporary work at Harrogate, some precious and some not, but the emphasis is invariably on design and here you are likely to discover talent that will go on to influence the jewellery industry.
Illustrated are some examples of the unique high quality jewellery to be found at this year’s bctf.
Kate Smith Jewellery who is based in the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham will be showing her work, which is inspired by abstracted drawings of nature. The precious collection, comprising of 18ct gold diamond pieces is the latest addition.
Tessa Holland works in jewellers enamel and when worn her pieces become illuminated with intense colour, changing as they move.
Alexandra Kreglewski produces beautiful jewellery of simple clean design, often inspired by a choice of beautiful stones. The textured surfaces of her work invite tactile exploration.
Redjewel have created an exciting new range of contemporary jewellery suitable for men and women.
Darren Dewhurst creates simple fluid forms with fused metals comprising of silver, white gold, yellow gold, platinum and diamonds.
Karen Christie makes unique handmade silver jewellery and framed metal collages.
Yvonne Chadderton creates contemporary and sophisticated jewellery designed with clean simple lines that are sensuous and fluid.
Sally Lees is based in London and her work includes limited edition silver, titanium and aluminium cufflinks.
The British Craft Trade Fair has a number of awards, which have become an intrinsic part of the fair including the British Jewellery Association Award for Excellence.
For the jewellery industry the British Craft Trade Fair has been a closely guarded secret …. Until now!
UNLOCK THE SECRET!.…THE BRITISH CRAFT TRADE FAIR
The British Craft Trade Fair (bctf) represents the absolute best designers and makers in the UK and Ireland.
2005 sees this legacy move on, with more exhibitors, new vibrant product and even more cutting edge design.
Over 400 exhibitors will be showing and the fair presents the annual opportunity to see and order exquisite giftware that will keep the buyer at least one step ahead of the competition.
Many of the exhibitors launch new product ranges at bctf and choose not to exhibit at any other trade fair. Every year bctf attracts new talent through its Newcomers gallery sponsored by ‘ The Craftsman Magazine’ and the highly acclaimed Design Edge gallery. All exhibitors for bctf are vetted for quality and suitability.
Illustrated are some examples of the unique high quality products that are available at this years bctf.
Kate Smith Jewellery who is based in the Jewellery Quarter will be showing her work which is inspired by abstracted drawings of nature. The precious collection, comprising 18ct gold diamond set pieces is the latest addition.
Mothfest Lights who are in The Newcomers section produce from handmade felt, mawata, silk, perspex in conjunction with cold cathode lamps. The result is a unique product which cannot be repeated exactly the same.
Waste Not Want Not design and make contemporary handbags using recycled plastics.
Werxzovart produce ceramic sculptures that celebrate aspects of feminine beauty.
Kathryn Pearce Glass Design is showing a contemporary collection of free blown glass inspired by colour and light. Designs range from functional to sculptural.
The Hero Manufacturing Co will be displaying a unique and slightly quirky range of traditional toys and games.
The British Craft Trade Fair has all manner of high quality contemporary product on display including ceramics, leather goods, glassware, textiles, fashion accessories, kitchenware, lighting, artwork, furniture and garden accessories.
There are a number of awards which have become an intrinsic part of bctf, and many of the past winners have gone on to be hugely successful within the industry.
It all started with the Award for Excellence, which is part of the history of bctf.
Introduced to acknowledge design and creativity within the giftware industry, it remains the fulcrum for the awards.
The award programme includes The Craftsman Magazine Newcomers Award, The BJA Award for Excellence in Jewellery and The Giftware Association Award for Excellence that concentrates on commercial viability of a product.
The British Craft Trade Fair has always been a closely guarded secret until now.
CONTEMPORARY PRODUCT DOMINATES INTERIOR DESIGNS BEST KEPT SECRET!
The British Craft Trade Fair (bctf) is an exhibition that represents the best British young designers and makers.
It is a hot - bed of British talent and for unique products that you are unlikely to source at any other exhibition (many of the exhibitors only show at bctf) it is definitely worth a visit to Harrogate if you are looking for inspired design.
Many of the talented young designers will take on commissions giving interior designers an opportunity to present fresh new innovative ideas to their clients.
The organisers have identified that over the last few years Interior Designers visiting the show represent the largest growth sector.
Established over twenty years ago the exhibition has over 400 exhibitors displaying lighting, fabrics, furniture, wall hangings, paintings, mirrors, metalwork, glassware and ceramics.
The website is well worth a visit with many of the exhibitors images posted on the gallery pages. www.bctf.co.uk
Interior Designers and anyone who has a link to the profession can register for the exhibition on the website.
CONTEMPORARY JEWELLERY AND FASHION ACCESSORIES DOMINATE THE INDUSTRIES BEST-KEPT SECRET!
The British Craft Trade Fair (bctf) is an exhibition that represents the best young designers and makers.
It is a hot – bed of British talent and if you are looking for unique product which you are unlikely to source at any other exhibition (many of the exhibitors only show at bctf) it is definitely worth a trip to Harrogate if you are looking for inspired fashion.
Jewellery is now the largest sector in the exhibition, from precious contemporary through to the outrageous junk.
Many of the exhibitors (over 400) were in university only a few years ago and the exhibition has become a launch pad for many.
The website is well worth a visit with many of the exhibitors images posted on the gallery pages. www.bctf.co.uk
Fashion designers and anyone associated with the industry can register for the exhibition on the website.
THE GIFTWARE INDUSTRIES BEST KEPT SECRET!!
3 – 5 APRIL 2005,
GREAT YORKSHIRE SHOWGROUND,
HARROGATE.
Like many successful exhibitions The British Craft Trade Fair (BCTF) came from humble origins. It has now grown to become one of the UK’s most prestigious and influential gift fairs. The 2005 exhibition (3 – 5 April) will play host to over 500 talented exhibitors.
The exhibition is unique and it is a complete hot bed of British talent, buyers’ travel across the globe to attend BCTF and many cite it as being the most important buying show of the year.
The real beauty of BCTF is that there is always a surprise in store for even the most seasoned buyer, because of the constant new source of talent feeding through the exhibition and consequently into the gifts industry. You have the opportunity to discover it first by attending the show and what’s really exciting is that it’s all produced in the UK.
If you would like to attend this year’s BCTF you may register on line at www.bctf.co.uk
Please contact:
PSM Ltd
Tel: 01444 246446
Fax: 01444 246456
Email: info@bctf.co.uk
THE JEWELLERY INDUSTRIES BEST KEPT SECRET!
Like many successful exhibitions, The British Craft Trade Fair (bctf) came from humble origins.
It has now developed to become one of the UK s most prestigious and influential gift fairs and without doubt jewellery and fashion accessories contribute as the largest sector.
The 2005 exhibition (3 - 5 April) will play host to over 500 talented exhibitors.
Jewellery displayed at Harrogate is contemporary, unique and cutting edge. There will be an eclectic mix of precious and non-precious items available from the sublimely sophisticated to the completely outrageous.
If you want to see how young designers are going to influence your industry in the not to distant future you really cannot afford to miss this wonderful showcase of British talent.
Illustrated are products from a number of exhibitors who will be present at the 2005 exhibition.
If you would like to attend this year’s bctf you may register on line at www.bctf.co.uk
It is also worth keeping an eye on our website as it is updated regularly with new exhibitor images.
Please contact:
PSM Ltd
Tel: +44 (1) 444 246446
Fax: +44 (1) 444 246456
Email: info@bctf.co.uk
Coming of Age!
The British Craft Trade Fair 4th – 6th April 2004 at the Great Yorkshire Showground celebrated it’s 21st year as the UK's only trade fair exclusively for British made goods. The show has matured into a showcase of the best of British talent with over 430 creative and innovative designers and makers exhibiting.
“We are delighted to have sold out of space this year, without diluting the exceptional standard of product at the show” said the newly appointed event manager Alex Coombs.
The show attracted just over 3000 quality buyers from around the UK and abroad. More gallery owners and buyers than ever before attended, assured of buying inspiring and original pieces.
designGAP had a high attendance at the show along with an ever-increasing number of groups using the show as their annual showcase, including; Made in Cumbria, Made in Yorkshire, Manchester Craft and Design Centre, Scottish Boarders, Creative Kernow, Connect UK and the Brighton Group.
Every year the organisers hold an award presentation on the first night of the show. This year's Craftsman Newcomer, British Jewellery Association (BJA) award in Excellence and the Giftware Association (GA) award for Excellence were all hotly contended.
The Craftsman Magazine sponsors the Newcomers Award
“Judging the award is never easy as the standard of work is so very high and the designers and makers have fantastic imagination and flair” said Angie Boyer of The Craftsman.
The winner this year was Karin Muhlert with her 3D decorative work in paper and original paper jewellery. The product is not only unique but marketing viability had been well thought through, “ It was a great surprise to become the winner of the 2004 Newcomers Award and it is such a positive acknowledgement of my work. As my first experience of a trade show, I found it not only challenging but also it also made me focus on improving my marketing skills even further. The show has been very successful for me and I am certainly looking forward to next year”.
Andy James Woodturner was given a highly commended for his contemporary spin on a very traditional craft. He commented, “ Overall we have been delighted with the level of interest in our work. The definite orders have left us speechless, and that doesn’t happen often! To be highly commended for our work is the icing on the cake and it definitely influenced some of the buyers”
The second highly commended in this category went to Frances Doherty for her distinctive collectable ceramics “It was lovely to win an award. This has been a really enjoyable show with an eclectic mix of crafts and applied arts. There is some really exciting and contemporary work here from all over the country, which makes winning all the more valuable for me” said Frances.
Nearly 25% of the show is made up of jewellery designers and makers with varying styles and materials, making the BJA Award for Excellence the most challenging to judge. The winner was a first time exhibitor Sarah Stafford “Winning this award was a real surprise and I’m absolutely thrilled, the british craft trade fair is a marvellous show to in involved in, the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly and the standard of work is extremely high. I’ve had a great response from buyers and other exhibitors and will definitely return next year”.
The GA Award for Excellence concentrates on the commercial viability of the product, they awarded the winner to Mootiful Gifts, a duet of designers of hand painted pottery, glassware and cards. The sisters Emma and Anna Dolan said “ Absolutely gobsmacked in receiving the award by the Giftware Association. This is our first trade show and we have been overwhelmed by the interest from buyers. We also feel very privileged to be involved in a show surrounded by such a high level of talent”.
The two highly commended awards went to Maralyn Reed-Wood for her lively porcelain figures and Bing Bong with her range of unusual buttons.
The bctf Award for Excellence sponsored by Anchor Insurance looks at the design, innovation and creativity of the product. The award is open to all exhibitors and is the most difficult to judge.
The winner this year was a previous highly commended winner in the Newcomers Gallery, Jennifer Collier. Her products are created from unusual materials such as fruit, papers and formed objects to give a different angle on every day items. Her collection includes shoes, bags, dresses and screens.
“This years british craft trade fair has been an excellent opportunity to showcase new work and gauge the response to it directly from the buyers. Winning the award for Excellence has given me the boost I needed to have a greater confidence in my products and my work, and definitely makes all the work feel worthwhile” she commented.
A highly commended went to Annabet Wyndham for her contemporary jewellery and functional silver pieces. Annabet said “This is my 4th visit to the fair and it is great to be highly commended. I was unable to show last year so it has been especially good to meet with previous customers and engage with potential new buyers. It has been encouraging to show my new enamel jewellery and absorb feedback and comments from both buyers and other makers”.
The other highly commended winners were Notarianni and Macpherson for design led, hand blown and polished glass, who said
“The British Craft Trade Fair is unique by offering quality handmade objects and therefore attracting a specific target audience. To be ‘highly commended’ for the second time in four years is a fantastic accolade to our work when judged alongside the quality of work shown at the event”.
“The feedback from this years show has been excellent from exhibitors and a testament to this is that we have taken over 100 re-books for 2005. Many buyers that I spoke to when they were leaving the exhibition commented that it was their favourite trade show and the standard is second to none,” said the show owner Philip Bunn.
bctf 2005 will be held on the 3rd to 5th April at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate.
If you are interested in exhibiting or visiting the show, please call PSM Ltd on 01273 833884, email info@bctf.co.uk or complete our online enquiry form on the Contact page. |
Karin Muhlert |
Andy James Woodturner |
Frances Doherty |
Sarah Stafford |
Mootiful Gifts |
Maralyn Reed-Wood |
Bing Bong |
Jennifer Collier |
Annabet Wyndham |
Notarianni and Macpherson |
Happy 21st Birthday to The British Craft Trade Fair
Progression has been our key to success!
bctf was bought by its current owners over 10 years ago from one of the UK’s, then, largest exhibition companies.
They had totally misunderstood bctf’s original concept and consequently it had lost direction and no longer represented the creative talent of British Crafts.
It took 5 years, a change of venue and a complete revamp of the exhibitor profile, with a strict vetting procedure applied to make it what it is today…
The finest showcase of British made crafts
bctf today is an annual event giving buyers from galleries, heritage & museum shops, specialist design & craft shops, garden centres, interior design practices and multiple retail outlets a unique opportunity to buy original work directly from the best of British makers.
Many of the exhibitors return year after year, displaying an eclectic mix of original and exciting products, which are guaranteed to stimulate the most discerning buyer.
The design edge gallery is full of innovative design led products including those shown here by, Siobhan Jones with a unique collection of wall panels and vessels exploiting the boundaries of kiln formed glass, Handcraft Pottery with stunning blue pots, Valerie Mead with a collection of elegant and attractive contemporary designer jewellery in silver and rose gold, Jane Adams with a range of figurative ceramic cats and hares in stoneware with a gentle sense of humour.
The Newcomers gallery sponsored by The Craftsman Magazine is full of new and original talent. The standard is exceptional and it is very pleasing to see such innovative talent coming into the gift and home-ware industry.
The number of groups affiliated to the show has increased once more in 2004 and now includes: Design Gap, Made in Cumbria, Scottish Borders, Creative Kernow, Connect UK, Manchester Craft & Design Centre, Harrogate College Made in Yorkshire and The Brighton Group.
The diverse variety of talent and innovative designs, mixed with a user friendly venue, makes the British Craft Trade Fair a must in every gift and craft buyer’s calendar.
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