:: London Christmas shopping tips: this weekend

Posted by Joelle on December 1, 2007

Cushions by Zoe Beck at Hothouse Studios and porcelain brooches by Jade Gallup at Me me me, both taking park in Hidden Art’s open studios this weekend.

Anyone in London this weekend who is hoping to avoid the predictable high street gifts (and the horror of Oxford Street crowds) this Christmas will be spoilt for choice. Right now the city is awash with open studios, craft and design fairs where you can pick up unique gifts direct from artists and designers.

In my neighbourhood of Hackney and Stoke Newington, Hidden Art are coordinating an open studios around the area, so you can visit makers in their studios and see where their work is produced. There are some very talented people opening up their doors to the public. Find out more and view maps on the Hidden Art website.

Also in East London this weekend is the high profile East London Design Show at Shoreditch Town Hall. Home to some of the UK’s best independent product, interior and jewellery designers, this is a great place to pick up on new design trends and get some unique presents.

Magnetboard by Spinifex and ring by Anthony Roussel, both exhibiting at the East London Design Show.

South of the river is not neglected either as the Pullens Yards in Kennington are also holding their annual Christmas open studios. A more suitably atmospheric location would be hard to find than these 1870s artisan studios with their cobbled yards. Head down this weekend to sip mulled wine and nibble mince pies whilst browsing the wares of over forty open workshops including graphics, fine arts, glassware and ceramics, book publishers, fashion and furniture. You can view the flyer with all the details here (pdf file).

Hidden Arts open studios are open on Sat 1 and Sun 2 Dec, various times and locations.
East London Design Show is at Shoreditch Town Hall, Sat 1 and Sun 2 Dec, 10am-6pm
Pullens Yards open studios are open Sat 1 and Sun 2 Dec, 11am-6pm, at Iliffe Street and Crampton St, SE17

Categories: christmas, london, shopping
Tags: anthony roussel, broadway market, east london design show, hackney, hidden art, hothouse studios, jade gallup, pullens yards, spinifex, stoke newington, zoe beck

3 Responses to “London Christmas shopping tips: this weekend”

1. Kerry says:
   December 2nd, 2007 at 4:20 am

   Those brooches are absolutely gorgeous!

2. jade says:
   December 6th, 2007 at 4:28 pm

   thanks!
   i also have a stall at backyard market on brick lane every sunday
   http://www.sundayupmarket.co.uk/map.html

3. Joelle says:
   December 6th, 2007 at 6:04 pm

   Ooh thanks for letting us know Jade. I love the market there.

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