Collect 2023 at Somerset House - Photo by David Parry/PA Wire. Courtesy of Collect.

Collect 2023 at Somerset House – All photos by David Parry/PA Wire, courtesy of Collect.

Design, Crafts – The 19th edition of Collect, the international contemporary craft & design fair, returns to Somerset House in London [March 3-5, Tickets – Map]. Organised by the British Crafts Council, Collect 2023 invites collectors, interior designers, art advisors, and enthusiasts to discover a line-up of close to 40 international galleries and representing over 400 artist makers who present pieces made in the last five years, which are often created especially for the fair.

London Glassblowing Gallery at Collect 2023 - Photo by Photo by David Parry/PA Wire. Courtesy of Collect.

London Glassblowing Gallery at Collect.

AT THE FAIR – Highlights include 20 textile markers, more than 80 ceramic artists, and other materials, including metalwork, fibre, wood, glass, and non-traditional materials such as resin and plastics, as well as repurposed materials.

“The increasingly diverse range of galleries and artistic voices featured at this year’s fair will make the show richer in content and discovery than ever before.” Says Isobel Dennis, Collect fair director.

Objekti display at Collect 2023 - Photo by David Parry, PA Media. Courtesy of Collect.

Objekti display at Collect.

Alongside international galleries, Collect Open, the fair’s platform for pioneering and thought-provoking craft installations by individual artists and collectives, returns with 14 exciting projects by artists hailing from the USA, Poland, and from all over the UK, including Northern Ireland.

Theo Brooks part of Collect Open - Photo by Photo by David Parry/PA Wire. Courtesy of Collect.

Theo Brooks at Collect Open.

FOUR KEY TRENDS – According to a Craft Council’s market report, there is a growing desire for authenticity, experiences, and ethical and sustainable consumption habits. Collect 2023 presents an array of sustainable artist-makers as the commitment of collectors to buy high-quality, sustainable pieces continues, as is the responsible purchasing habits that fund diversity and equality.

Indeed, a distinct sense of place serves as thematic inspiration for many gallerists. “This year’s fair is a thoughtful and timely consideration of our surroundings: the natural world, the seasons, interior spaces and the home, and even Somerset House.” Explain the fair’s organisers.

The New Craftsmen presents a journey into British flora with pieces made from grasses, willow, barks and other plants that grow in the UK - Photo by Photo by David Parry/PA Wire. Courtesy of Collect.

The New Craftsmen presents a journey into British flora with pieces made from grasses, willow, barks, and other plants that grow in the UK.

The line of artists presents an interest mix of cross-cultural and cross fertilisation work with strong representation from artists of the African diaspora, as well as a diaspora of artists working in their native crafts but living abroad and who are increasingly bringing traditional crafts into a contemporary setting.

Xanthe Somers presented by Galerie REVEL displays vases inspired by the colonial history of Zimbabwe at Collect 2023 - Photo by Photo by David Parry/PA Wire. Courtesy of Collect.

Xanthe Somers, presented by Galerie REVEL, displays vases inspired by the colonial history of Zimbabwe.

With the rising popularity of K-culture in the UK, Collect 2023 sees the strong return of galleries from Asia with a notable presence from Korean galleries and artists.

Works by 28 jewelry-makers reflect the rising trend of art jewelry in contemporary craft with wearable glass, ceramics, textiles, and sculptural metal.

Keeryong Choi presented by Bullseye Gallery exhibits glass works blending South Korean and Scottish heritage - Photo by Photo by David Parry/PA Wire. Courtesy of Collect.

Keeryong Choi, presented by Bullseye Gallery, exhibits glassworks blending South Korean and Scottish heritage.

All photos by David Parry/PA Wire. Courtesy of Collect 2023.

Textiles crafts by Elodie Blanchard and ceramic works by Onka Allmayer Beck. Presented by SEEDS Gallery at Collect 2023 - Photo by Photo by David Parry/PA Wire. Courtesy of Collect.

Textiles crafts by Elodie Blanchard and ceramic works by Onka Allmayer Beck. Presented by SEEDS Gallery. 

Joseph Harrington’s glass sculptures take shape from the ice and salt erosion process - Photo of 'Tide' by Jennie Harrington.

Joseph Harrington’s glass sculptures take shape from the ice and salt erosion process. Represented by Bullseye Projects – Courtesy of the artist.