History in the Making: Stories of materials and making in the collections of Woburn Abbey and the Crafts Council, 700AD to now
This exciting new exhibition brings together outstanding examples of historic craft from the collection of Woburn Abbey, with recent creations by some of the most exciting makers working today from the collection of the Crafts Council, for a unique exploration of materials and making across the ages.
Throughout human history, materials have been fashioned by skilled people into objects of beauty and utility. Taking six material groups – wood, clay, stone, metal, textile and organic – as a starting point, History in the Making will present the historic and contemporary side-by-side to explore changing attitudes towards materials over time, the importance of craft traditions for communities and the environmental impact of craft. As well as celebrating the amazing skill of leading makers. From a monumental mid-17th century Mortlake tapestry, woven to a design by the great Italian Renaissance artist Raphael – on loan from Woburn Abbey for the first time – to expressive hand-painted silks by award-winning artist and designer Christian Ovonlen, and precious 18th century silverware made by French Huguenot migrants, to highly personal glazed ceramic vessels by rising-star ceramic artist Shawanda Corbett, this exhibition presents a treasure-trove of unique and fascinating objects.
As well as celebrating more traditional approaches to craft, the exhibition will also pose questions about how scientific advances and new approaches to existing materials can offer more sustainable and planet-friendly methods of making. The final room of the exhibition will display recent creations by exciting makers who are at the forefront of developing new materials and processes, from living textiles made from plant roots to 3D printed vessels made from recycled coffee cups.
The exhibition will be accompanied by a busy public programme of creative practical workshops, talks and more. Please check the “what’s on” pages of our website for further details.
Image: ‘The Landseer Dish’ Commemorative Salver, Benjamin Preston after designs by Edwin Landseer, 1837. From the Woburn Abbey Collection.
