Origin beats gloom to generate £1.8m sales

More than 20,000 visitors attended consumer crafts show Origin: The London Craft Fair, which was held in London last month. Organisers The Crafts Council said that the turbulent financial climate failed to keep shoppers at bay, with sales at the end of the 12-day two-part show estimated to be £1.8m.

The Crafts Council director Rosy Greenlees said: “Origin 2008 was a great success and we were pleased that the current financial situation didn’t deter people from buying. 20,000 people came through the doors over the two weeks and sales were very good proving that the market for contemporary craft is not only robust but growing.”

The show acted as a showcase for 300 crafters, a third of which were jewellery designers selling both precious and costume jewellery. Designers at the show included Jo Hayes, Michael Berger, Sarah Stafford and Nutre Arayavanish. At an awards ceremony held during Origin, the ACJ Award for Jewellery was presented to exhibitors Amy Duggan and Catherine Martin.

Origin, organised by The Crafts Council in partnership with Somerset House Trust, was held between October 7 and October 19 in two six-day shows. Dates have been confirmed for next year’s show, which will again take place at Somerset House in London, and will be held between October 6 and October 18.

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