Collect 2020

International Art Fair for Modern Craft and Design relocates to
Somerset House for its 16th edition
(27 February – 1 March 2020 / preview 26 February)

The Crafts Council announces Collect will return for its 16th edition, presented for the first time at Somerset House in London.
The Crafts Council founded Collect in 2004 with the aim to build the profile and sales for collectable craft and to promote the very best galleries and artists in the field. It continues to be the only gallery-presented art fair dedicated to modern craft and design.

For 2020, Collect is moving to a striking new home at Somerset House and is excited to be taking over a large number of beautiful rooms, presenting a new environment for Collect exhibitors to contextualise and curate modern craft. Collect will occupy the large gallery wings at Somerset House, overlooking the Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court.

Through the years Collect has been instrumental to defining and growing the market for contemporary craft. Collect celebrates over 400 artists presented by galleries coming from across the globe to this London stage. Half of the exhibitors come from outside the UK, with an impressive spread of European galleries as well an increased range of galleries from Asia.
“The appetite for contemporary craft continues to increase as seen by the number of new galleries
emerging. The Fair’s new London home, Somerset House is an exciting development in the life of Collect allowing exhibitors to contextualise and curate modern craft and design against a backdrop of 18th century architecture, high ceilings and picture windows looking out onto the Thames”, commented Isobel Dennis, Collect Fair Director.

Sponsors and Partners
The Collect 2019 team is delighted to announce that Collect 2020 will see the return of previous Collect sponsor partnerships, including collaborations with:
LOEWE Foundation, Associate Supporter
The LOEWE FOUNDATION was established in 1988 to protect cultural heritage in the fields of craft, design, photography and poetry. In 2016, it launched the LOEWE FOUNDATION Craft Prize inspired by LOEWE’s beginnings as a craft cooperative in 1846.
“We are proud to be supporting Collect for the third year running, particularly in this exciting moment when craft is being re-evaluated across the world. It gives us great pleasure to see so many LOEWE FOUNDATION Craft Prize finalists on show at the Fair and look forward to introducing our 2020 finalists,” Jonathan Anderson, Creative Director of LOEWE.
Cox London, VIP Lounge Sponsor
Cox London are designers and makers of sculptural lighting, furniture and artworks. Their thriving London atelier champions the highest quality British craftsmanship and artistry. The 2020 VIP lounge will be furnished by Cox London and curated by award-winning interior designer Rachel Chudley.
“At Cox London, we are foremost artists and makers and as such, we have an absolute affinity with Collect. From the handmade, soul-nourishing work it shows and promotes, to the extraordinary artisans it celebrates. To partner with Collect feels for us like the most natural alliance.”
Chris Cox Co-Founder and Creative Director of Cox London.

Collect Talks and Events:
There will be a three-day programme of talks and events (Friday – Sunday) that will see leading international voices from the worlds of craft, design, art, architecture and fashion explore the evolving role of craft in all sectors of society.
About the Crafts Council:
The Crafts Council is the country’s foremost authority on contemporary craft in all its forms. Founded in 1971, its role as guardian and champion of national craft practice has evolved to include exploring and enabling new possibilities, making methods and technologies. In Spring 2020 the Crafts Council will re-open its Pentonville Road premises as a new centre for craft, ahead of its 50th anniversary celebrations in 2021. The Crafts Council is a charity. Its work is made possible by the support of trusts and foundations, individual patrons, and corporate sponsors, and through public funding by Arts Council England.
About Somerset House:
Somerset House is London’s working arts centre and home to the UK’s largest creative community. Built on historic foundations, we are situated in the very heart of the capital.
London’s working arts centre – http://www.somersethouse.org.uk

Photo credits: Collect2020 & Crafts Council