12th – 18th May 2025, 11am – 6pm daily (noon on Sunday, 18th May) Pickett London, Albany 10-12 Burlington Gardens, Mayfair, London W1S 3EY
As part of London Craft Week, we are proud to present Suffolk in the City an exhibition curated by Trevor Pickett, our patron and former chair of the Society. Trevor has carefully selected a diverse group of makers, each of whom represents the high standards of craftsmanship and creative excellence that Suffolk Craft Society is renowned for. This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to experience a wide range of works from across multiple disciplines. Suffolk in the City will include works from over 20 accomplished artists and craftspeople, showcasing an impressive range of materials, techniques, and styles
Ceramics will be represented with an array of stunning works from Caroline Fish, Janene Waudby, Robert Wickens, Moira Goodhall and Usch Spettigue.
Caroline's work is inspired by the landscape and explores the interplay of colours, lines, and forms. Her pieces are both functional and artistic, using thrown and moulded earthenware to reflect the dynamic beauty of Suffolk’s natural environment. Similarly, Janene's ceramics are deeply rooted in nature, capturing the essence of the British coastlines and reflecting this in her burnished or textured finishes. Robert is inspired by the simplicity of Japanese and Korean ceramics, which demonstrate beauty in imperfection through a blend of traditional and modern simplicity. Moira creates individual handmade vessels inspired by the coastal form, colour, and light of the river and salt marshes surrounding her studio. Her fascination with alternative firing methods leads her to combine contemporary styles with the ancient technique of sawdust and smoke firing. Usch creates hand-thrown porcelain pieces and uses her own custom glazes which are sprayed on allowing her to layer multiple glazes and achieve distinctive colours and textures.
London Craft Week is renowned for celebrating the best of British and international craftsmanship. The event brings together over 1,000 established and emerging makers, designers, brands, and galleries from across the globe. It focuses not on the price or fame of the pieces, but on the depth, substance, and unique inspiration behind each work. At London Craft Week, visitors can expect to encounter pieces that have that special touch of magic—work that stands apart through skill, creativity, and a sense of innovation that goes beyond the ordinary.
Suffolk in the City will also showcase stunning textiles by Ruth Holt, Jenny Nutbeem, and Mary Jane Toulson.
Ruth, a graduate of Central Saint Martins and the Royal College of Art, creates exquisite woven textiles using fine silk and wool yarns on a 24-shaft loom. Her designs draw inspiration from the ever-changing landscapes of Suffolk and the seascapes of Orkney, capturing the subtle color shifts and reflective qualities of these natural environments. Ruth’s work is distinguished by its nuanced color palettes and tactile textures, inviting a deeper connection to the materiality of her craft.
Jenny creates elegant scarves and jackets from velvet, silk, and linen, all of which are individually dyed and painted using indigo and reactive dyes. Drawing inspiration from traditional Japanese textile techniques and the distinctive colours of the Suffolk coastal landscape, Jenny’s designs are both vibrant and delicate. Committed to environmental sustainability, she follows a no-waste philosophy and enjoys experimenting with reclaimed and recycled materials, ensuring her creations are as eco-conscious as they are beautiful.
Mary Jane’s rugs are bold and vibrant works of art, often referred to as ‘paintings for the floor.’ Featuring strong geometric patterns and striking colours, her woven pieces are created using simple yet effective techniques that add texture and depth. Using thick Yorkshire wool, Mary Jane incorporates looping and knotting to create raised surfaces, while her focus on natural materials and plant dyes reflects her dedication to conservation and ecology, underscoring her passion for sustainability in every piece.
Sculpture lovers will find much to admire in the work of Nicci Dedman, Mary Anstee-Parry, Joy Holden and Anne Schwegmann-Fielding.
Nicci creates unique sculptures using wire, predominantly repurposed and recycled steel wire. With a back-ground in jewellery, Nicci has returned to her creative journey as a sculptor, working from her home on the Norfolk/Suffolk border. She has adapted her skills to create intricate three-dimensional pieces without the use of soldering or welding. Her work is often inspired by local flora and fauna, capturing elements of fragility and robustness in the complex, handcrafted pieces. Nicci's passion for wire has led her to explore new creative possibilities.
Mary’s sculptures are a fusion of the humour and balanced design found in medieval carvings, combined with the vibrant symbols of tribal sculptures from the West Coast of Africa. She aims to depict a sculptural world rich with patterns, symbols, and order. Occasionally, text is incorporated into her work. Mary has built a career in sculpture, taking on commissions in both sculptural and lettering forms. She has also taught traditional woodcarving and letter carving in wood. While she has primarily worked in wood, Mary has recently begun experimenting with copper.
Joy specialises in the 'reverse method' of mosaic-making, which creates mosaics with unusually flat surfaces. She produces her original mosaic designs using finely cut glass and ceramic tesserae. Having honed the technique over 20 years, Joy’s multidisciplinary path began after she graduated with a degree in ceramic sculpture. Her journey has included screen printing, making patchwork clothes, Permaculture design, and community work, all of which have shaped her approach to mosaic art.
Anne creates sculptural mosaics using recycled materials, predominantly crockery. The inclusion of objects with history is a key element in her work, with materials such as buttons, glass, coins, and jewelry often incorporated. Anne meticulously cuts patterns and shapes from vintage and Victorian crockery using a simple tool. After graduating in Fine Art from Wolverhampton in 1991, she set up her studio in 1993, drawing inspiration from the discarded materials in her daily life. Her work celebrates the concept of “The ordinary made extraordinary,” and she continues to spread this recycling philosophy through her art.
In addition, James and Sylvie Fawcett will present their exquisite musical instruments, handcrafted with the utmost attention to historical detail and performance quality.
Work by jeweller Susi Hines will be displayed. Susi creates contemporary jewellery with a nod to traditional craftsmanship. She develops her own gold alloys, achieving subtle color variations in her pieces. Combining intricate handmade structures with etched and patinated surfaces, different golds, silver, and rare gemstones, Susie’s work is both bold and refined.
Suffolk in the City will explore the incredible diversity of the region’s creative talent, blending traditional techniques with contemporary approaches. Visitors will have the opportunity to glimpse some of Suffolk’s thriving craft scene, with works that range from the timeless to the cutting-edge.
The world of furniture and woodworking will be represented by Toby Winteringham, Tim Germain, Adrian Parfitt, Simon Turner and Dennis Hales.
Toby Winteringham will showcase striking, bold designs that emphasise both form and craftsmanship. His pieces are dynamic and expertly crafted, making a statement in any space. Meanwhile, Tim Germain will present truly one-of-a-kind creations, each entirely handmade, ensuring that no two pieces are alike and highlighting his dedication to personalised, artisanal craftsmanship. Adrian Parfitt will also be featured, bringing his deep knowledge of locally sourced timbers to the exhibition. His work not only demonstrates exceptional skill but also a commitment to sustainability, with each piece carefully crafted from responsibly sourced materials. The intricate woodworking of Simon Turner and Dennis Hales further adds to the collection, with every piece telling a unique story, showcasing the individual artist's passion and dedication to their craft.
The printmaking will be represented by Helen Maxfield and Sally Freer. Helen creates limited edition linocuts inspired by her sketching trips across the countryside and coastline. Her designs evolve from observational studies and develop through the printmaking process, with a focus on celebrating the natural beauty of her surroundings and the unique qualities of linocut as a medium. Sally, on the other hand, captures the intricate landscapes of hedgerows, winding pathways through fields, and boats stranded on the shore, often leading to hidden churches. Her prints explore the transformative power of color, with various colored print marks shifting the dynamic and mood of each piece.
Staying with the printed form, Paul Garcia will be showcasing his beautifully hand-bound books. Specialising in traditional bookbinding, Paul hand-sews sections with linen thread, creating each book with an artisanal touch. He experiments with edge decoration, incorporating materials such as acrylic, graphite, and gold leaf. His designs often feature hand-sewn silk endbands, and the covers may be adorned with intricate tooling in gold, blind embossing, or intaglio and relief designs. Paul’s work is deeply inspired by the craftsmanship of endpapers, sewn with hidden cloth joints for added strength, and his book designs evolve organically throughout the process.
We are also thrilled to present the delicate basketry of Cindy Gidney. Cindy weaves vessels using soft, natural fibres and coiling techniques that hark back to ancient basketry traditions, while infusing a contemporary aesthetic. The forms emerge intuitively, becoming rigid through slow, thoughtful stitching. With a background in fashion, textiles, and interiors, Cindy comes from a long line of seamstresses, tracing her craft back to her great-grandmother. Her early experiences with sewing and making have deeply shaped her creative practice. Inspired by her connection to the natural world, Cindy’s work is also influenced by the treasures she has collected from the beach and garden, adding a personal touch to each piece.
Exhibition Details and Opening Hours
Suffolk in the City will be hosted at Pickett London in Mayfair and is open daily from 11 am to 6 pm from 12th to 17th May and from 12 pm on Sunday, 18th May. A private view will take place on Tuesday, 13th May from 6 pm to 8 pm, offering an exclusive opportunity to meet the artists and explore their works in detail.
Dates: 12th - 18th May 2025
Venue: Pickett London, Albany, 10-12 Burlington Gardens, Mayfair, London W1S 3EY
Opening Hours: 11 am – 6 pm daily (from noon on Sunday, 18th May)
This is a fantastic opportunity for craft lovers, collectors, and those simply interested in exploring the beauty of handmade works to experience some of the best that Suffolk Craft Society has to offer. By participating in London Craft Week, we aim to raise the profile of Suffolk’s exceptional makers, showcase the region’s diverse creative talents, and bring a taste of Suffolk’s craft heritage to a wider audience.
Our exhibitions celebrate the extraordinary craftsmanship of Suffolk Craft Society makers, showcasing intricate details, time-honored skills, and innovative designs. With dynamic, ever-evolving displays set in iconic venues, each showcase promises a fresh, inspiring, and immersive experience.
If you're unable to attend an exhibition in person don’t forget you can support talented local artisans through our online shop >>>