Artisan Retreats

Artists and designers were invited to decorate the Artisan Retreats to reflect their passions and interests and to offer an insight into their inspirations

Artisan Retreats were located on the Plateau, an area for relaxation and refreshment where visitors were able to escape the hustle and bustle of the showground. The area was dressed by Ana and Amy from Studio Boo. 

These enchanting retreats offered visitors some original ideas to inspire them to create their own stylish hideaway.

Artists & Retreats

BOJO by Shauna Richardson

BOJO is a Crochetdermy® blond gorilla depicting Boris Johnson, the larger-than-life Mayor of London. Internationally-acclaimed artist Shauna Richardson invented the term Crochetdermy® to describe her realistic life-size animal sculptures, created using crochet. Employing traditional craft, objects, the plinth, accessible themes, the artist's hand, realism and popularity, Richardson explores the boundaries of contemporary art.

Shauna Richardson is the creator of The Amazing Lionheart Project for the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad, the 7ft (2.1m) brown bear that caused a stir at the V&A Museum and Prince Harry's 'Very very unofficial portrait' for The Guardian Weekend magazine.

Into the Wood by Eleanor Lakelin

Eleanor Lakelin turns and carves bowls, vessels and sculptural forms in wood from British trees. She created a space for reflecting on the simple beauty of natural materials and the textures and complexities of natural forms. The retreat was somewhere to explore how these features have inspired Eleanor's work in wood and for visitors to share their own knowledge and experience of forms in nature.

A Garden Studio by Lindsay Alker Fabrics & Wallpapers

Lindsay Alker's retreat was inspired by the Arts & Crafts movement and the simplicity of Shaker interiors. It made a quiet place to escape the distractions of tecnology and the demands of life - a haven in which to create, read or simply think!

Lindsay launched her latest print "Casa" at the show, a geometric pattern inspired by favourite points of reference: a tiled floor in Tuscany, Welsh wool blankets and Shaker quilts.

I Haven't Had Tomorrow Yet...  by Lizzie McQuade

Lizzie McQuade is a Scottish-born, London-based milliner who creates feminine and quirky yet wearable hats, with a focus on intricate hand embellishments and innovative materials.

I Haven't Had Tomorrow Yet...was a luxurious garden retreat and workshop for the woman who has everything! Inspired by Elizabeth Taylor's love of diamonds, flowers and finery, this is an ornate and calming space. Hyacinths and lilac create a perfumed haven in which to dream up, make and admire your perfect hat.

Inspired by Nature, Shaped by Steam by Tom Raffield

On approaching this retreat it became apparent that it was a celebration of nature in its purest forms. Inspired by the beauty and tranquillity of his Cornish surroundings, Tom Raffield was sharing the story behind his ecologically sound and contemporary lighting and furniture range in his artisan retreat.