The best talks by Crafts at Collect

An undisputed highlight of Collect Art Fair is its thought-provoking programme of talks, for which Crafts has long been the partner – as well as hosting several of the conversations.

This year, the magazine will be chairing a conversation with father/daughter ceramic artist duo Chris Bramble and Freya Bramble-Carter (Friday 1 March, 12.00) and a panel of artist working with wood (Saturday 2 March, 15.30) Gordon Sparks, Naomi Mcintosh and Robert George.

We hope to see you there, but in the meantime, here are some of our most memorable past discussions – from intimate one-to-ones with the craft world’s top names to topical debates that put making in a wider frame.

Don’t forget Gold Crafts members can get 2-for-1 tickets for the fair, as a perk of being part of our community.

Magdalene Odundo

In 2021, Magdalene Odundo DBE spoke to Crafts columnist and director of the V&A East, Gus Casely-Hayford. The renowned ceramicist talks about how she has developed her unique practice since the success of her 2019 exhibition at Hepworth Wakefield, The Journey of Things.

Halima Cassell

In 2022, sculptor Halima Cassell told us about the use of pattern in the huge hypnotic sculptures she makes in clay, wood, bronze, glass and an array of other materials. ‘Pattern can say as much about the viewer as the maker,’ she told Crafts editor Debika Ray.

Emefa Cole

Fresh in our minds from last year’s Collect is this conversation between jewellery artist Emefa Cole and Crafts editor Debika Ray. Exclusively using recycled metals and stones sourced from African gem cutters, Cole forges distinctive pieces of body adornment.

Metalheads: forging the future of sculptural metal

Chaired by curator Corinne Julius, emerging metalsmiths Callum Partridge and Francisca Onumah joined Loewe Foundation Craft Prize-nominated metal artist David Clarke in 2023 to talk about their innovative, sculptural approaches to metalwork.

Glass Acts: the artists shattering expectations of the medium

As the UN proclaimed 2022 the International Year of Glass, Crafts brought together four makers pushing the material in fresh directions. Artists Anthony Amoako-Attah, Juli Bolaños-Durman, and Netflix series Blown Away 2 winner Elliot Walker, were in conversation with British Glass Biennale 2022 curator Matt Durran.

Edmund de Waal

Edmund de Waal exhibited at the very first Collect in 2004 and has established an expansive art practice that pushes the potential of ceramics, while engaging with history, architecture, music and poetry. Glenn Adamson, Crafts’ editor-at-large, caught up with the artist and author in 2021.