Crafted elements

Lina Kanafani's London Design Festival show brings together diverse work illustrating the impact of craft on the design process.

Marcus Tremonto’s Pelle Conductivo uses a printed circuit to conduct electricity that lights up the objects, giving the impression of a miraculous transmission of energy.

Jan Plechac and Henry Wielgus's handmade swing in leather and rope bring design principles to an item that isn't within designers' usual scope.

Roy McMakin’s Untitled series show designs that at first appear familiar, but on closer inspection defy the conventions they seem to showcase.

“Another Kountry” is a series of limited-edition pieces from Established & Sons, designed by Seattle-based artist and architect Roy McMakin. His work aims for a balance between functionality and pure art. His Untitled cabinet in oiled, stained mahogany is a contemporary interpretation of traditionally crafted furniture.

Would Side Table showcases the grain of stunning oiled maple wood, for a design that gives the impression of incredible solidity.

Roy McMakin’s Would Side Table showcases the grain of oiled maple wood, for a design that gives the impression of incredible solidity.

In Vases About Language and Redemption, iconic shapes are modified to contradict their original intentions.

In Roy McMakin’s Vases About Language and Redemption, iconic shapes are modified to contradict their original intentions.

The Slatback Chair has an almost archetypal appeal, it’s proportions and lines draw the eye on a preset course.

The Slatback Chair by Roy McMakin in ebonised oak has an almost archetypal appeal. Its proportions and lines draw the eye on a preset course. All of McMakin’s work is produced by hand using traditional craftsmanship techniques.

An Asian influence may be present in this utilitarian stool, whose imprint suggests a predetermined pattern of use.

An Asian influence may be present in Roy McMakin’s utilitarian Caudal Stool, whose imprint suggests a predetermined pattern of use.

Maxim Velcovsky’s Frozen pendant light immediately brings to mind the cured forms of running water that has turned to ice.

Czech glass and lighting manufacturer Lasvit presents Maxim Velcovsky’s Frozen pendant light, inspired by the transformation of water into ice.

The Das Pop Chandelier by Maarten Baas for Lasvit is a humorous take on a traditional wrought-iron incarnation.

Tadeas Podracky created these stunning glass Finland Vessels that are built for travel, defying their fragile nature.

Tadeas Podracky was part of Kanafani’s selection of new designers’ work from UMPRUM: The Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague. His glass Finland vessels combine both historical and contemporary influences.

Tadeas Podracky’s Jaars juxtaposes the fragility of cut glass with alpine elements such as leather straps and a wooden sled.

Podracky’s Jaars juxtapose the fragility of cut glass with alpine elements such as leather straps and a wooden sled.

In Made by Forest Ceramics, Bara Vinorova uses the forms of trees to lend shape to fragile vases and tea-ware.

Also from UMPRUM, Bara Vinorova uses the forms of trees to lend shape to fragile vases and tea-ware.

Other notable works by Czech graduates include Adam Zelezny’s collection of ceramic bowls entitled Blast, created by a shock wave induced by controlled detonation.

Crystal Jars by Milan Pekar shows his amazing eye for form, technique, and colour.

Czech designer Milan Pekar showed these crystal vases that experimented with glazes.

Angelo Mangiarotti's M Dining table for AgapeCasa.

Presenting classic works of Italian design, AgapeCasa revived designs by Angelo Mangiarotti from the 1950s and onwards, creating a line of furniture made from early prototypes. Mangiarotti was one of the leading Italian architects and designers of the 20th century. He adopted ideas of the Modern movement and developed them through unique experimentation, creating functional yet highly elegant furniture that borders on the sculptural. His marble M Dining table perfectly illustrates his architecturally influenced style with incredible symmetry.

The structural integrity of Mangiarotti’s Eros table is a result of the weight of the top meeting the leg at a set position.

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Posted 13 Sep 14 By Design Indaba Craft • Product Design Creative Work / Lookbook Comments

Think craft is all humble materials and artisanal simplicity? Think again. Lina Kanafani of Mint, the London-based concept store specialising in high-end craft and design, has put together a diverse selection of sophisticated pieces that illustrate craft’s impact on the design process. The exhibition, Elements of Craft, runs for the duration of the London Design Festival.

The show features a broad range of designs, including reproductions of classic works, pieces by new international designers, and the latest work from Mint’s past collaborators. A showcase of work from three prestigious Czech institutions completes the bill.

Mint collaborated with AgapeCasa and Established & Sons to present classic works by Italian architect Angelo Mangiarotti and Roy McMakin whilst Meritalia provides further pieces from the same era by Achille Castiligioni and Gaetano Pesce.

Alongside these seminal works from the 1970s and 80s are exciting and experimental pieces from more than 30 new international designers, many of which have been handpicked from Milan and the UK graduate shows.

In addition, Mint exhibits a new lighting installation by Marcus Tremonto as well as new bodies of work from previous collaborators including Umberto Dattola, Alcarol and Hillsideout amongst others.

The show runs from the 13 to 30 September, but if you're not in London check out our Lookbook of highlights above.