Handmade in Highgate: be tempted by all things crafty this weekend
Highgate Literary and Scientific Institution will host the Handmade in Highgate craft fair on 8th and 9th April - Credit: Archant
Designer makers are descending on the Highgate Literary & Scientific Institution this weekend, bringing handcrafted homewares to add a touch of the unique to your home
Muswell Hill Creatives' Romor Designs lampshade with Isabella Lepri base - Credit: Archant
This weekend designer-makers from across London will be congregating at the Highgate Literary & Scientific Institution in Highgate Village for the revival of the popular designer maker spring fair, Handmade in Highgate.
Lisa Strand, organiser of the event and an exhibitor herself is looking forward to the revival of the local event that draws visitors from across the capital. “We are very excited to be re-launching the designer/maker fair in Highgate Village,” she says. “It is a wonderful opportunity to introduce the local community to different designer makers.”
Up to 30 craftspeople will showcase their unique and varied works at the market, ranging from fashion, jewellery and perfumes to gifts and homewares. The market will take place in the gallery of the impressive period building in South Grove which first housed the HLSI in 1840 and is normally open to members only.
Muswell Hill local Jess Albert's Hybrid Wings print in green - Credit: Archant
“We also wanted to provide an event for a wider audience to come and enjoy the fair and see the historic HLSI,” Strand says. The HLSI was created in 1839 when civil servant Harry Chester became engrossed in the debate around the 1832 Reform Bill and set out to create a society to promote ‘improvement of the mind … in subservience to the interests of morality and the glory of God’.
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Long since diversified, the HLSI craft fair will shine a light on many designer makers from the local area, including several members of the Muswell Hill Creatives. From Jess Albert’s detailed insect illustrations to Romor Designs’ Japanese textiles including lampshades, throws and cushions, the scope of items on display is broad and demonstrative of the talent of local craftspeople.
As Seen on TV plate by Highgate local Debbie Carne of Alijoe Designs - Credit: Archant
For something romantic, head to Smith & Strand’s stall where charming silk flowers are in full bloom and ready to add a little colour to your home. Alijoe Designs’ vintage-inspired plates will need to be carefully wrapped up, so a trip to Elvira van Vredenburgh’s stall will be in order to pick up some printed greeting cards and gift wraps should shoppers wish to send the whimsical plates as presents.
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Alongside homewares and interior design items shoppers will find gifts a plenty, including jewellery and fashion items. “We have some outstanding makers participating, it would be great to see as many people as possible,” says Strand.
Handmade in Highgate will take place at 11 South Grove, N6 6BS on Saturday 8th April between 11am and 6pm and Sunday 9th from 11am until 5pm. Entrance is free.
