Top 10 Christmas pop up galleries, markets and festivals for creatives
If, like us, you’re still doing your Christmas shopping, we’ve compiled a great selection of fun places to go to find those art & design treats to make great and affordable presents. Over in the Shoreditch Triangle, we can’t resist our fashionista urges to visit Circus at The Tramshed, and if that’s in danger of getting a little gooey, maybe a little anarchism at The Great Xmas Pop Swindle, just round the corner, could be just the tonic. Heading out further East, if arty themed mega Xmas markets are your thing, then Once Upon a Wintertime could be up your Strasse – although be braced for a £20 charge on entry. We’d certainly enjoy a nice Stokey church hall cup of tea at the Cabbages & Kings Christmas Market, but for serious art buying, save your purses for Glitterbug, curated by Alice Herrick. Look out for artworks by Jessica Voorsanger, Darren Coffield, Geraldine Swayne and Paul Sakoilsky.
Heading to the City, Vitra is hosting a selection of small scale designers, including their neighbours at Craft Central, after which the Barbican’s pop-up shop at The Curve installation space might be well worth a gander. Heading West Central, if it’s classic quality craftmanship you’re after, look no further than Somerset House’s Designers & Makers show. Last but not least, go to Seven Dials to find Dezeen’s must-see pop-up shop featuring work by Jaime Hayon and Paul Cocksedge, as well as items from the brilliant Established & Sons showroom.
Hoxton & Shoreditch
Circus
Cherry picked selection of the most exciting emerging British design and fashion labels set up shop in the heart of East London in the theatrical setting of a disused power station. This dramatic venue will play host to a unique shopping experience of carefully selected labels ranging from homewares, ceramics, fashion, jewellery, taxidermy and art amongst many others. Each label will create their very own concept stall which pushes the standard boundaries of retail presentation. Christmas bakery and cafe hosted by Lily Vanilli, a Bloody Mary bar by Little Devil Spices, florist by Rebel Rebel, spicy cider and mulled wine stand as well as a nitrogen ice cream and hot chocolate food experience by Blanch & Shock. Over the weekend CIRCUS also plays host to The Fashion Trunk Show – fashion luminaries including Susie Bubble, Katie Eary, Fred Butler and Atalanta Weller will sell their covetable wares, bric-a-brac and current collections with voluntary donations going to Crisis’s Christmas Dinner Campaign.
Where The Tramshed, 14 Garden Walk, 32 Rivington Street, EC2A 3EQ London When 15 – 23 Dec (10am-8pm) Free entry http://www.circus11.com/
The Great Xmas Pop Swindle
Seminal images and designs from the PUNK Era. Includes Leee Black Childers photograhs, seminal punk clothing and prints and fancy goods. Also Peunque fanzines and special edition mixtape ‘Be Realistic, Demand the Impossible by Disqo Conqrette. T Shirts and prints by Michele Howarth Rashman. Victim Fashion St. T-Shirts and fancies by the Grande Dame herself, Anarchy Cocktail Cabinet & Cake Shop hosted by Black Eyed Susan and Angels With Dirty Faces Collection by Baby Wink.
Where The Outside World, 44 Redchurch Street When 15 Dec (6-9pm); 16-18 Dec (11am-7pm) Free https://www.facebook.com/events/256842861044195/
Christkindl
A rummage through a collection of enigmatic vintage and vernacular photographs put together over the span of 13 years. From wall to table, all photographs, at your perusal, will be available for sale from 80 English pounds upwards. A very special collection of pictures for this timely Christmas event.
Where 51 Hoxton Square / London N1 6PB When 15 Dec (6-9pm); 16-18 Dec (11am-7pm) Free http://www.danielblau.com/exhibitions/2011/christkindl-photomarkt/
Hackney
Glitterbug
Features an enticing selection of artworks to delight our eyes, hearts and minds in the midst of winter. The golden walls of the intimate gallery will be filled with a myriad of paintings, prints and drawings alongside cabinets of delightfully tempting objets d’art. The exhibiting artists have entered into the glittering, joyous, mischievous spirit of Glitterbug, which promises to be a beautiful, eclectic and intriguing show, conjuring the sensations of desire and wonder in a shrine like environment. Curated by Alice Herrick, artists include Jessica Voorsanger, Darren Coffield, Nancy Fouts, Geraldine Swayne, Damien Meade, Adam Dant, Cedric Christie, Paul Sakoilsky
Where Viktor Wynd Fine Art, 11 Mare Street, E8 4RP, London When 15 – 23 Dec (11am-8pm); Christmas Eve (11am – 2pm); then every Sat in January (11am – 8pm) Free entry http://www.viktorwyndfineart.co.uk/glitterbug.html
Of Cabbages and Kings: Christmas Market
Artists, designers and craftspeople will be selling their creations at a Christmas market hosted by Stoke Newington gallery/gift shop Of Cabbages and Kings. There’ll be a different selection of designer-makers each day. Get your festive gifts and Christmas crafts and stop off for a mince pie and mulled apple juice at the cafe. Items on sale include illustrator Jimbobart’s quirky hand-drawn ceramics and Kate Clarke’s colourful screen-printed homewares.
Where Abney Hall, 73a Stoke Newington Church St, N16 0AS When 17-18 Dec (11am – 5pm) Free http://ofcabbagesandkings.co.uk/pages/Market.html
Once Upon a Wintertime
A pop up immersive festival brought to you by Creative Network Partners. Feast, drink, cavort, view, engage, shop, stay all night or pop in for an hour this is a dynamic, enticing experience. Enter through an dystopian woodland night market where steamy fodder meets delightful handmade treats. This is not your average market; drawing on the experience and diversity of the community it will comprise the very best of East London independent designers and traders. Expect to find those perfect stocking fillers, collectables and trinkets all positioned within a woodland dream. This Pan Asian style nightmarket juxtaposes glittering costume jewellery, with discovery, performance, gourmet street food, furs, the very best vintage and of course your imagination. Traders include Lucky Chip street restaurant, Frost Connection, specialist vintage fur trader and Molly Bakes, internationally renowned baker and author of Cake Pops.
Where Hackney Downs Studios, Amhurst Terrace, London E8 2BT When 4pm 17 Dec – 3am 18 Dec Tickets £15-20
http://www.ticketarena.co.uk/london/hackney-downs-studios/once-upon-wintertime-0
City
Vitra Christmas Market
This contemporary interpretation of the traditional Christmas market has seven stalls offering special gifts created by small producers and designers. 10% of all takings will go to Shelter, the housing and homelessness charity. Gifts on offer will include Susan Bradley’s award-winning outdoor wallpaper designs and her new letter racks. Craft Central’s collection of designers will show a selection of hand crafted goodies including felt decorations, exclusive jewellery and elegant porcelain pieces.
Where Vitra, 30 Clerkenwell Road, London EC1M 5PG When until 22 Dec (Mon-Fri 9am – 6pm; Thurs 9am – 8pm; Sat 11am – 5pm) Free http://vitrablog.co.uk/
Barbican Centre Pop Up Shop at The Curve: Design Den
A diverse range of products by artists and designers are available, including stunning platinum luster mirrored teacups by recent graduate Richard Brendon, irregular shaped terracotta herb pots by Nick Fraser and statement furniture pieces from up and coming design talent James Uren. Inspirational and cool greetings card collections, including brand new ranges from Mr Will Vincent, funky stationery from Lazy Oaf, plus timeless domestic products from new design duo Fort Standard and home ware brand All Lovely Stuff. Also a selection of coffee table publications focusing on design, architecture, fashion and photography, making the ideal stocking filler. Exclusive to the Design Den is an extensive range of editions from Eyestorm, the UK’s leading online retailer of contemporary art. The opportunity to buy high quality, signed and numbered limited edition prints by both established and emerging artists at a special in-store rate.
Where Somerset House, The Strand, London WC2R 1LA When until 23 Dec (Mon-Sat 10am – 8pm; Sun 12 – 8pm) Free
http://www.barbican.org.uk/artgallery/event-detail.asp?ID=12846
West Central
Dezeen Pop-Up Shop: Temporium
Hosting products by over 20 designers and brands, as well the latest Dezeen Watch Store pop-up. Designers Jaime Hayon, Paul Cocksedge and Dominic Wilcox have created unique products and displays, while brands Established & Sons and Another Country present a collection of furniture and accessories. The store features a festive window display of Diamond Lights by Eric Therner for Frama. Products by fashion designer Justin Oh, homeware brand All Lovely Stuff and much more are displayed on Revolver shelving by Studio Henny van Nistelrooy. Food company Pom Pom Takoyaki are providing delicious snacks inspired by traditional Japanese takayoki.
Where 65 Monmouth St, Seven Dials, Covent Garden London WC2H 9DGWhen until 24 Dec (Mon-Sat 11am – 7pm; Thurs 11am – 7pm; Sun 12pm – 5pm) Free http://www.dezeen.com/2011/12/06/the-temporium-2011/
Somerset House: Designers & Makers
Designers & Makers offers striking, contemporary and affordable products showcasing British craftsmanship and design. Shop for jewellery, ceramics, stationery, framed art and glassware by 40 established designers and makers in our unique, festive pop-up shop. Products include jewellery made out of non-precious materials, from plastic to paper, by designers such as Marlene McKibbin and Lesley Strickland, recent RCA graduate Sarah Wiberley’s elegant, hand-made enamelled glass vases and bright ceramic vases from Catherine Gray, as featured on Britain’s Next Big Thing. London based ceramic artist Makiko Nakamura, who has previously collaborated with Alexander McQueen, presents her decorative candleholders and cake stands. A new range of cufflinks in laser-etched walnut by creative company, The Cloud Commission and handmade, festive decorations by Sarah Morpeth and Penkridge ceramics are also on offer.
Where Somerset House, The Strand, London WC2R 1LA When until 8 Jan (Mon-Sun 11am – 6pm; Thurs, Fri, Sat late opening) Free http://www.somersethouse.org.uk/ice-rink/shop/designers-and-makers-at-somerset-house-gallery-and-shop
Photo: Glitterbug