BCTF

News

21ST April 2010

PRESS RELEASE

‘Craftas’ British Craft Trade Fair (BCTF) awards night – results

This year’s BCTF was once again a great success, and the trend in visitor numbers continues with an increase of 250 over 2009, making a grand total of 4750 over the three days.

Since its inception there has been an awards system linked to the fair that is well respected and in the past has launched many of its winners onto a highly successful career.

Here are the jewellery results for 2010:-

The Crafts and Design Magazine Best Newcomer Award
(criteria – Quality of design, craftsmanship and good business skills)

Winner – Jacqueline Harold – For her functional quirky tableware range ‘Podcast’. Made from silver and fine bone china, many of which are automated.

Jacqueline’s show stopper at BCTF 2010 was ‘Loco-commotion, which she describes as a ‘table train of automated condiment holders which run along a resin and silver track.’ Beautifully designed and meticulously constructed, each piece is is truly intriguing. This unique range of work was cleverly complimented by her new ‘Pod Cast’ collection of pieces for salt, pepper and oil, each made from fine bone china, silver and coloured acrylic.

The Craft and Design editorial and design team, who judged the award, all commented on the remarkably high standard of work in the Newcomers Gallery this year, although it was a unanimous decision to present the Newcomer Award to Jacqueline, who will receive 12 months marketing and promotional support from Craft & Design magazine to the value of £3000.

http://www.jacquelineharold.com

The British Jewellers Association Award for Excellence
(criteria – Originality of design craftsmanship and commercial viability supported by a strong marketing package)

Winner – Teri Howes Jewellery - for her hand-crochets silver and 18ct gold wire jewellery embellished with semi precious stones and natural pearls.

http://www.terihowesjewellery.com

Over one hundred and eighty eligible exhibitors are in the jewellery and silversmith category, and the fair is truly selective, with event organiser Margeret Bunn narrowing down the offering to not only UK designed and made but also quality makers across various mediums that will suit gallery, gift and jewellery outlets.

Lindsey Sraughton of the BJA commented ‘Thankfully I was assisted by two professionals, Helen Hulston and Sarah Hutchinson when it came to judging our award’.

The owner buyer from Birmingham, Helen Hulston- Helen Hulston Contemporary Jewellery and Giftware commented that Teri’s body of work was beautifully executed and competitively priced.

Sarah Hutchinson, who has Teri’s work in the Platform Gallery, Hatton Garden knows the range and considers it well finished and very on trend with its dual tone look.

Both judges were impressed with Teri’s marketing package that she had put together for the fair, using her former career as a graphic designer to create clear high quality brochures and pricelists.

‘This was my first time at British Craft Trade Fair and I was very impressed with the number and quality of galleries and jewellery outlets attending, this is not a regional show and many buyers had travelled from across the UK to attend.’

Teri hand-crochets precious silver and 18ct gold into intricate, lacy and ornate structures, taking precious metal wire and forming it to produce soft structures or delicate looking edges on metal frameworks.

‘Each tiny stitch is a quiet, low tech rebellion against today’s world of ‘instant everything’ stated Teri.

Taking her inspiration from her love of fashion, textile patterns and geometry she says ‘ My mother’s profession as a dressmaker meant I have always been around rich patterned fabric and colourful thread’

She will be teaching her techniques at West Dean College this summer and also in her workshop for ‘Open Studio’ at Cockpit Arts Holborn during London Jewellery Week.

http://www.terihowesjewellery.com

The British Craft Trade Fair will take place 3rd to 5th April 2011 and buyers registration is open on http://www.bctf.co.uk

24th March 2010

PRESS RELEASE

Harrogate, springtime and BCTF – a winning combination!

Buyers attending The British Craft Trade Fair couldn’t choose a better time to visit beautiful Harrogate...famous for its blooms, especially in springtime.

With over 500 of the UK’s best designer-makers represented, the organisers are anticipating a bumper fair, and are reporting increases in buyer registrations over previous years.

Margeret Bunn, fair organiser, said, ‘Our fair just seems to get better and better year on year, with registrations coming from all over the UK and abroad, Talking to our regular buyers, we are told they look forward to spending a couple of days in Harrogate at our very relaxed fair, then enjoying the ambience of Harrogate in the evenings. I know what they mean, I feel exactly the same way myself!’

The British Craft Trade Fair is at The Great Yorkshire Showground on April 11 to 13.

Times –
Sunday 10am to 6pm
Monday and Tuesday 10am to 5pm

To register as a buyer go to http://www.bctf.co.uk

BRITISH DESIGN SHINES THROUGH
Dates 11-13 April 2010
Venue The Great Yorkshire Showground Harrogate

The British Craft Trade Fair (BCTF) has defied any negative predictions for the gift industry by continuing to deliver increases in exhibitors and buyers year on year.

The fair saw a change in management 5 years ago when Margeret Bunn, who heads up the BCTF team, set about making the fair a showcase for British craft and design. This meant a total change of policy on how the fair was developed and managed. Within three years she had achieved her goal and the fair now stands alone as the only purely British trade fair for the giftware and jewellery industry.

We asked Margeret why she thought that BCTF had flourished during such difficult trading times and she said:-
‘Current retail trends point firmly at consumers favouring unique, hand-made products over mass produced, and often inferior, imported goods. The Fair features the very best in British craft and design and with our strict vetting procedure, buyers can be sure of sourcing genuine, contemporary, design-led UK product that is appreciated by an increasing sector of consumers. Over the years buyers have learnt to appreciate our selection process and to trust our judgement as to what is right for the fair. I would urge any buyers who have not attended BCTF recently to register and visit, to witness for themselves how British craft and design has come of age in recent times.’

At the time of going to press the 2010 BCTF is full, with over 500 exhibitors , further proof that ‘British’ is flourishing on our high streets.

To register as a buyer, go to http://www.bctf.co.uk where you can also view a great selection of this year's exhibits.

BRITISH CRAFT TRADE FAIR – THE UK’S PREMIER TRADE EVENT FOR BRITISH AND IRISH CRAFTS.

Hall 1,Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, North Yorkshire.
11 – 13 APRIL 2010

DESIGN EDGE – A UNIQUE ON-LINE CATALOGUE FOR TRADE BUYERS, FEATURING MANY OF THE UK’S TOP DESIGNERS.

T: 01444 246446
WWW.BCTF.CO.UK / WWW.DESIGN-EDGE.UK.COM

BCTF is recognised as the only trade fair in the UK that purely represents British Craft. Established for thirty + years, the fair is host to over 500 exhibitors, all of whom have been selected to ensure the highest standard of contemporary British design and craftsmanship. All disciplines are represented at the fair and these include ceramics, glass, jewellery (precious and fashion) textiles, metal, wood sculpture and artwork. The range of product is vast and the fair is visited by buyers from craft galleries and independent retailers from all over the UK as well as from the EU and further afield. Buyers registration is through the website http://www.bctf.co.uk

BRITISH DESIGN SHINES THROUGH

The British Craft Trade Fair
Dates 11-13 April 2010
Venue: The Great Yorkshire Showground Harrogate

The British Craft Trade Fair (BCTF) has defied any negative predictions for the jewellery industry by continuing to deliver increases in exhibitors and buyers year on year.
The fair saw a change in management 5 years ago when Margeret Bunn, who heads up the BCTF team, set about making the fair a showcase for British craft and design. This meant a total change of policy on how the fair was developed and managed. Within three years she had achieved her goal and the fair now stands alone as the only purely British trade fair for the jewellery and giftware industry.
We asked Margeret why she thought that BCTF had flourished during such difficult trading times and she said:-
‘Current retail trends point firmly at consumers favouring unique, hand-made products over mass produced, and often inferior, imported goods. The Fair features the very best in British craft and design and with our strict vetting procedure, buyers can be sure of sourcing genuine, contemporary, design-led UK product that is appreciated by an increasing sector of consumers.
Over the years buyers have learnt to appreciate our selection process and to trust our judgement as to what is right for the fair. I would urge any buyers who have not attended BCTF recently to register and visit, to witness for themselves how British design has come of age in recent times.’
The following exhibitors reflect the ethos of what the British Craft Trade Fair represents:-

Michael Peckitt
http://www.michaelpeckitt.com
01242 520695
Michael describes his jewellery as ‘wearable art that never fades and is never replicated’
The jewellery is shaped from anodised aluminium with sterling silver fittings.
Michael is a trained fine art painter and he works colour into his unique jewellery by painting in layers and then sealing the finished product, creating jewellery with attitude.

Lucy Q Designs
http://www.lucyqdesigns.co.uk
01244 380842
Lucy Quartermaine is one of the Northwest’s top award winning contemporary jewellery designers.
Her dynamic range of inspirational designs offers a fun modern twist to traditional craftsmanship.
Each and every piece is unique in design and has an element that one can relate to.
Lucy has been able to introduce fun into jewellery but still kept the simplicity of silver in each piece.

Ella McIntosh
http://www.ellamcintoshdesign.com
07816 230902
Ella is in love with pewter!
Her modern sleek and elegant designs result in creating striking objects that celebrate pewter as a revitalised metal.
Simplicity of form is used to challenge traditional pewter ware which tends to be heavy and over embellished.

Penny Williams
http://www.pennywilliams.co.uk
0121 523 5694
Penny is a designer maker who works in silver, brass and bronze.
Based in Birmingham’s jewellery quarter, much of her design is inspired by a love of animals.
Three main themes, cats, dogs and chickens are used to produce original shapes and forms, creating designs that capture the animal’s character in a unique way.
She also makes quirky unique clocks all designed and built to the highest quality.

Charlotte Brown Designs
http://www.charlottebrowndesigns.co.uk
07729 234428
Charlotte’s work is inspired by the romantic connection people have with their jewellery and the memories each piece can evoke.
Her unique range of silver and gold embellished with precious stones and words of love and friendship, many of which are taken from her Great Grandmothers school leaving book.

Barbara Price Designs
http://www.barbarapricedesigns.com
01692 404422
Barbara graduated from Lowestoft College of Art and Design.
Her special interest is resins and encapsulating the reflective and translucent properties.
The result is dramatic wearable pieces of art.

Andrea Thorpe Jewellery
http://www.akthorpejewellery.co.uk
07759 137640
Andreas work takes inspiration from natural forms.
Her jewellery is hand-made in her workshop using precious metals, freshwater pearls and enamel, combining new technologies and traditional techniques.
Her new range ‘Japanese’ is inspired by oriental textile print.

Michelle White
http://www.michelewhite.com
0121 6248624
Although starting her career in ceramics, fate lent a hand and she became a designer jeweller and gemmologist.
Inspired by the work of Renee Lalique which you can see with much of her work, she loves to use gemstones that stand out from the ordinary.
Stones with an interesting inclusion or unusual cut often inspire the way a piece develops.

Marisa Arna
http://www.marisaarna.co.uk
01255862355
Marisa Arna is a renowned ceramist but more recently has focused on her other great passion;
jewellery making, made mainly in silver with accents in 18 ct gold.
She applies the same aesthetic to her jewellery as she has always done to her porcelain work.

Reckless Necklace
http://www.recklessnecklace.co.uk
01226 792994
Victoria McGarry is a qualified silversmith and eventually, and once self employed, she was able to make the type of jewellery that she wanted to wear.
Her love of bright colours and the tactile qualities and rich hues found in textiles are constant themes in her work.
‘I want my jewellery to speak out for its owner, to be enjoyed and loved for its humour as well as its quality; to be worn and not stashed away’

Sue Holdaway
http://www.sueholdaway.com
0115 840 2543
Her fascination with glass dates back to beach combing sea-tumbled glass as a child and the uplifting experiences of entering a darkened church and discovering the delight of a beautiful stained glass window.
Some of her repeat customers describe her work as ‘comforting’ ‘energising’ or ‘spiritually up-lifting’.

Becky Crow
http://www.beckycrow.co.uk
01273 674511
Becky’s work has always had a strong illustrative leaning, both observational and imagined, her hope being that people will recognise part of their own story hidden within the jewellery.

Lesley Strickland
http://www.lesley-strickland.co.uk
0208 4441200
Lesley specialises in the use of cellulose acetate combined with sterling silver.
She has developed special methods of forming, polishing and matting the acetate.
Some pieces are decorated with silver pique whilst others are combine acetate forms with silver and gold. Small batch quantities of each design are made and each piece is individually hand-crafted to a fine finish.
The two guiding principles she applies to her designs are elegant simplicity and empathy with the wearer.

Rauni Higson
http://www.raunihigson.co.uk
01286 881150
Rauni trained in Finland, and then graduated from the School of Jewellery Birmingham.
She gets inspiration from the beautiful backdrop of Snowdonia where she lives.
Function and form are equally important to her, and she likes to leave evidence on her work on the process of making in the finished piece so the wearer can see they are formed by hammers and hands.

Emma Turpin
http://www.emmaturpin.com
07860 749299
The launch of Emma’s new collection has been created with the influence of the Victorian and Edwardian period. She takes inspiration from Victorian interiors, architecture, furniture and life. This new collection is intended to sit alongside her rosette collection.

Nicola Morrison
http://www.nicolamorrison.co.uk
07951 871657
Nicola’s new collection ‘Segments’ is based on research into Japanese textiles and the work of Lucienne Day.
The new range is an eclectic mix of textured semi-circles. Gold and oxidised silver is used to highlight and contrast the different textures.

BRITISH DESIGN SHINES THROUGH

The British Craft Trade Fair

Dates 11-13 April 2010

Venue: The Great Yorkshire Showground Harrogate

The British Craft Trade Fair (BCTF) has defied any negative predictions for the fashion accessory industry by continuing to deliver increases in exhibitors and buyers year on year.

Over the years buyers have learnt to appreciate our selection process and to trust our judgement as to what is right for the fair. I would urge any buyers who have not attended BCTF recently to register and visit, to witness for themselves how British design has come of age in recent times.’

The following exhibitors reflect the ethos of what the British Craft Trade Fair represents:-

Divine Destiny
http://www.devinedestiny.co.uk
07714 100972
Devine Destiny is one of the most desirable bridal jewellery, hair accessory brands in the UK.
Designed and made by Fennie Leung, in her Hertfordshire based studio, her pieces have a fresh contemporary look yet maintain the integrity and sophistication of classic pearl jewellery.

Ragbutton
http://www.ragbutton.co.uk
02893 372236
Artist and designer Heather Burgess is the human driving force behind the Ragbutton name.
She graduated from the University of Ulster in 2003 where she specialised in textiles.
Heather creates buttons, beads and felt flowers as fashion accessories.
Each piece is distinctive and stylish, simple but decorative.

Stitched up and Fleeced
http://www.stitchedupandfleeced.com
07879 424989
Sue Lancaster has a BA Hons degree from Loughborough University and now teaches and lectures herself.
She has developed her own work to sell in shops and galleries, making unique pieces ranging from jewellery to bags to book covers.

Katie Mawson
http://www.katiemawson.com
01768 210494
Deriving inspiration from the Lakeland countryside which is her home, she creates special hats, scarves and bags made from very soft felted lamb’s wool.

Jan Huntley Peace
http://www.janhuntleypeace.co.uk
01539 562811
Fashion accessories taken from a fairy tale.
Twenty years in the London Couture fashion world, Jan has worked for a number of international dressmakers including David and Elizabeth Emmanual, Zandra Rhodes and Norman Hartnell.
She has a degree in sculpture and fine art, and it is this interface between creative inspiration, innovative techniques and exquisite detailing that makes her work truly unique.

Corrine Lapierre Creations
http://www.corrinelapierre.co.uk
01132 942538
Corrine came to England from France 16 years ago and never went back!
She studied textiles and millinery and discovered the pliability of wool felt and now works with it extensively.
She gets her inspiration from the natural world and try’s to give her work an organic feel reminiscent of cells and plant patterns.
Most of her work is created from Merino wool, which is the best quality and has a unique softness about it.

Laf Designs
http://www.laf-designs.com
02890 655342
Lesley Frew is a designer/maker based in Belfast, graduating from the University of Ulster in 2007.
She creates contemporary ethical jewellery using discarded plastic bags, tags and other re-cycle objects.
She chooses material that is destructive to our environment and is heading for landfill.
She enjoys confronting people’s expectations by taking a discarded material, giving it a new value and showing that it can be beautiful.

Janie
http://www.janiewithers.co.uk
01159 654658
Janie Withers graduated in knitwear design in 1995 and now has a studio near Nottingham.
She constructs dynamic abstract relief designs which pay tribute to colour schemes and shapes of the 1950’s.
Her range includes bags, scarves and interior accessories.
Reused and recycled knitwear fabrics are combined with soft knit textures in Merino and organic wools to enhance the natural theme of her textiles.

Bagladee
http://www.bagladee.com
07729 450817
Emma Castle is the face behind Bagladee.
All of her designs are made from Emma’s own original ideas and patterns.
They are made in limited numbers from fabrics sourced for their distinctive prints and to make them all just that little bit extra special.
A high standard of craftsmanship and attention to detail is paramount when Emma is creating, whether it is from the start of a pattern or the last bead or gemstone added.

Fibrespace
http://www.fibrespace.co.uk
01423 872856
Beth Connors felt bags, brooches and jewellery are quirky and fun, and she uses unique ways to manipulate the wool into some strange and wonderful shapes and impressions.
All her work is made from natural fibres or coloured from natural dyes.

Wolfram Lohr
http://www.wolframlohr.com
07815 144993

14th April 2009

British Craft Trade Fair bucks the trend!

Organisers and exhibitors alike were delighted with the attendance for this year’s fair that took place 5th to 7th April in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. As soon as the doors opened on the first day, it was clear that the credit crunch/recession, call it what you will, did not stop buyers attending BCTF, with a healthy queue at the registration desk throughout the 3 days.

Margeret Bunn, owner and principle organiser of the fair said “Our marketing plan was adjusted and budget increased this year in a concerted effort to keep our buyer numbers stable, and we were gratified not only to achieve our objective but to exceed it , with buyer numbers up and placing good orders, resulting in a fantastic atmosphere around the halls on all 3 days.“

Attendance for this year’s fair was 4,500, and that represents a healthy increase from 2008, a trend that has now been going on for 5 years.

All in all an extremely encouraging result and perhaps a sign that British design is shining through, with many new buyers attending to source great products from this wealth of home grown talent.Perhaps we are now talking our way out of recession.

2009

BRITISH CRAFT TRADE FAIR (BCTF) AWARD WINNERS

As always the standard of work at this year’s BCTF was excellent, making the judges’ job for all the awards a difficult process.

The history of the BCTF awards goes back 30 years and they are a popular feature of the fair. There are a total of five awards up for grabs including Highly Commended and Commended. This equates to ten individuals recognised for their outstanding work and presentation.

THE BCTF AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE. Criteria: Design, innovation and creativity. This was won by Twists Glass Studio, specialising in Zanfirico (twisted cane) technique, a highly skilled process. Michael Hunter has been taught by some of the worlds greatest and has developed his own unique style. His work includes both functional and decorative pieces.Highly commended went to Amanda Simmons for her cameo engraved glass and kiln formed vessels. http://www.corsockglass.co.uk Commended was given to Kerry O Connor for her unique silver and porcelain.

CRAFT & DESIGN NEWCOMER AWARD. Open to makers exhibiting in the Newcomers Gallery only - criteria: skill originality and good business skills. Awarded to Daniel Kavanagh who creates contemporary decorative pieces in fused ceramics and bronze. http://www.danielkavanagh.com Highly commended went to Naive Textile Art for their highly original jewellery boxes and jewellery pincushions made from wool fabric and felt. http://www.naive.biz

THE GIFTWARE ASSOCIATION AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE. Criteria : Commercial viability. This was given to Scott Inness Ltd who specialise in artistically designed gift collections inspired by flora creating imaginative designs in bold striking colour. http://www.scottinness.com Highly commended was awarded to The Wax Studio for their innovative and original candles. http://www.thewaxstudio.com

THE BRITISH JEWELLER’S ASSOCIATION AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE. Criteria : Design, innovation and creativity. Awarded to Sarah Kelly for her exceptional designs in paper. She creates pieces of lasting beauty. http://www.saloukee.com

THE WOW FACTOR AWARD. criteria : The stand design with the most impact. Voted for by the exhibitors, this went to Garry Jones Ceramics http://www.garryjones.com and Highly Commended went to Paola McClure http://www.paolamcclure.com

2008

SNOW STORMS DO NOT DETER MAJOR BUYERS FROM ATTENDING THE BRITISH CRAFT TRADE FAIR

Icy winds and snow storms did not deter buyers from all over the UK and abroad attending this year’s British Craft Trade Fair, held from Sunday 6th to Tuesday 8th April in Hall 1 of the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate. Despite a slight drop in visitor numbers on the Sunday, Monday and Tuesday’s visitor figures were up on previous years. Around 4,000 of the UK’s top buyers and specifiers attended over the three days of the event.

Organiser Margeret Bunn said: “The weather warnings were a worry on the first day but our concerns vanished as quick as the snow did when the aisles were extremely busy. Once again, buyers have commented on the high standard of work at BCTF as well as the creativity. Several exhibitors attracted commissions from corporate organisations and interior design houses as well as having offers for exhibitions throughout the year. Enquiries for 2009 were coming in thick and fast and we have sold around 75 per cent of floor space already.”

Annie Wright, the owner of Dazzle Gallery in North Yorkshire and a regular BCTF visitor for the past ten years, was invited to take part in the judging for the BCTF Award for Excellence and was so impressed with the standard of work that she attended on all three days. Annie said: “This year’s show exceeded my expectations once again. The quality of work and professionalism of the makers was a credit to them. They should be very proud of their achievements and I look forward to the next BCTF with eager anticipation.”

The BCTF’s industry awards were presented on Monday evening, recognising the remarkable talent and creativity from both newcomers and established designer makers. The Craftsman Craft & Design Magazine Best Newcomer Award was won by glassmaker Desire Hope, with a highly commended certificate given to jeweller Carrie Ann Black. The Giftware Association Award for Excellence was presented to Caroline Jacques for her range of beautiful knitted handbags. Highly commended was awarded to artist Leon Evans and commended was given to Hands on Ceramics for its striking animal and bird sculptures.

The British Jewellers’ Association Award for Excellence was won by silversmith Ann Marie Colquhoun for her visually exciting contemporary silverware that incorporates textile design into the silver. The BCTF Award for Excellence, sponsored by Layton Blackham Insurance Brokers, was presented to sculptor David Meredith for his amazing collection of bronze sculptures ranging from large birds to small animals. A highly commended certificate was given to Lindsey Mann Jewellery and commended was given to Susan Horth for her unusual wire sculptures of birds and small creatures.

The WOW Factor Award, sponsored by Design Gap and voted for by the show’s exhibitors was won by Samantha Bryan for her exquisite fairies made from mixed media, with highly commended given to wirework designer Cathy Miles.

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