May Day Craft in Focus at RHS Wisley

Although it was my third time participating in Craft in Focus at Wisley, this year was my first time having a stand to myself. I haven’t been there since pre-lockdown and had shared a stand with others, being a recent graduate and not yet having enough work to show on my own.

I felt this show was a bit of a turning point for me and my career. I no longer feel like I’m working towards becoming a silversmith, I am one. Although it has been a long hard slog to get here, building up my tools and equipment, I am here now and have the beginnings of a cohesive collection of work I can show too. It was a good feeling to acknowledge I am where I want to be, and this is only the start of it.

My stand consisted of three plinths, and this lent itself well to my work. On the smallest plinth at the front I had jewellery. On another plinth I had my new collection of work from my collaboration with the Merchants Marks Project, along with some brochures I had printed of all my work up to date (not featuring jewellery or the marchants marks items). On the third plinth I had my dual purpose napkin rings and tealight holders, my scoops, and my similar but not the same boxes. I feel it worked well and I was pleased with how it looked.

It was a long few days, we set up on the Wednesday then the show was Thursday through to Monday, 9-6 each day. And it was soooo busy! Hardly a stop in people, which was really good. Getting to speak to people about my work, seeing their faces as they looked at my designs, and chatting to them about my work and my processes was really uplifting. By the time we left on Monday evening my throat was ready for a break and I spoke as rarely as possible on the Tuesday to give it a break!

Thank you to everyone who came to visit, stopped to chat, gave feedback about my work, took a brochure and of course especially those who made a purchase. My first “proper” show, by myself, was a success. Already looking forward to next years now!