The annual Collect exhibition at Somerset House opened today, Wednesday 28th February for the VIP and press preview. I was lucky enough to have a wander through the huge space, venturing into rooms filled with fabulous things and artists eager to talk about their work. The show is on until end of Sunday 3rd March. If you love beautiful things made by contemporary artists and crafts people then there’s much to enjoy at this quality show.

I’ve unashamedly posted lots of images here of objects which caught my eye and apologies for not noting every maker or gallery. What’s so interesting about Collect is the variety of materials used to create unusual things. Below are some images of a fascinating collection of sculptures made by Jo Fairfax. I chatted to Jo who told me that the pieces were made through 3D printing of his designs which were then smoothed out with addition of a special putty and then painted. The sculptures represent the 12 human archetypes as defined by Jung.

I was also very taken by the work of Alison Rees who has created a range of porcelain ‘pages’ which reference the properties of paper. Just my thing!

I was intrigued by the work of Simone Pheulpin, below, a textile sculptor, who creates astonishing works out of closely folded and pinned cotton.

Collect is organised by the Crafts Council at Somerset House and open to the public from tomorrow until end of Sunday. Tickets are £27 with some concessions.

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