SDC in Conversation: The Craft of Less – Designing for Longevity

As part of London Design Festival 2026, join the Society of Designer Craftsmen and Fleet Street Quarter for an evening of inspiring discussion, live demonstrations and creative exchange. With a focus on resourcefulness, longevity and making with care, we will explore how craft and design can help shape a more sustainable future - a future of fewer things, that are better made.

Speakers:

Hear from leading makers across ceramics, textiles, jewellery, and metalwork as they share how sustainability, innovation, and traditional craft techniques influence their work today. Expect fascinating conversations chaired by Ceramicist Emma Lacey , live demonstrations, and plenty of behind-the-scenes insights into their creative processes.

• EMMA LACEY, MSDC
  Emma Lacey designs and makes tactile ceramic tableware from her studio in North London. Her design ethos is to create emotionally durable objects which people will want to use and to keep.
  Find out more about Emma here: Emma Lacey
• ALI HOLLOWAY MSDC, Weave and Textile Artist
  Using predominately paper, silk and linen yarns, Ali Holloway creates woven textiles inspired by landscapes and the stories they hold.
  Find out more about Ali here: Ali Holloway

• SHARON KEARLEY MSDC, Weave and Textile Artist, Author & Educator
  Sharon is a woven textile artist who investigates the relationship between structure, landscape and material responsibility through hand weaving and material research.
  Find out more about Sharon here: Sharon Kearley

• SAM GLEESON MSDC, Bladesmith
  Sam is an award-winning bladesmith based on the west coast of Ireland, who creates wildly original handcrafted knives from salvaged metals and reclaimed materials.
  Find out more about Sam here: Sam Gleeson

• SARAH DREW MSDC, Jewellery Designer
  Sarah creates unique contemporary jewellery from found and recycled materials, including sea glass, driftwood, beach plastic, and reclaimed metals.
  Find out more about Sarah here: Sarah Drew

Demonstrators at the event will also include: Clare Pentlow MSDC (Paper Artist), Helena Powell MSDC (Silk Weaver), Jessica Palmer MSDC (Paper Artist), Ksenia Semirova LSDC (Hand Embroidery Artist) and Susannah Weiland LSDC (Hand Embroidery Artist).

Come along to meet fellow creatives and craft lovers, and discover why thoughtfully made objects are worth celebrating.

About The Society of Designer Craftsmen

SDC is a selective membership organisation, run 'by members, for members'. It aims to inspire creativity, demonstrate innovation, and maintain exceptional quality standards in craft design. Established in 1887 by leading figures of the Arts and Crafts movement, the Society holds a distinguished place in the history of British design. Today's members are proud bearers of this legacy, innovating through their exploration of materials and skill.

All proceeds (minus Eventbrite fees) for this event go to the Society of Designs Craftsmen