Design Wallah at Southbank
Now in it's fifth year, Alchemy is the Southbank Centre's annual festival of South Asian and UK performing arts, culture, literature, art and design.
Discover international masters of dance and music including sitar player Anoushka Shankar, alongside emerging comedy talent and pioneers in youth culture. And for the first time, there will be a selling showcase of contemporary art and design from South Asia, curated by Kathy Shenoy of Shake the Dust.
Stitch by Stitch "piece unique" Fish Mashru Quilt
Design Wallah will celebrate both emerging and established designers working in Asia, with Asian artisans, or with an Asian design influence. The emphasis is very much on contemporary design, and the pop-up shop will feature a varied selection of jewellery, interior textiles, artwork, stationery and gifts.
Stitch by Stitch is thrilled to be included in Design Wallah. We will be exhibiting our "piece unique" quilts, handmade in Gujarat by a master quilt maker, from vintage mashru (or "permitted cloth") fabrics collected by Stitch by Stitch's Graham during his last visit to the region. Each quilt is a one-off, taking over a month to produce, and a beautiful work of art or a wonderful throw for your bed - a true heirloom. Read more on our blog here.
Witty Asian inspired stationery from Piccadehli
Kerry Hussain's colourful and witty stationery company Piccadehli is an outward celebration of her British/Indian heritage. She produces cards and notebooks which express Indian style in a contemporary way, often featuring quirky sayings - I love her "Thank You Please" card!
Kangan Arora's handtufted rug for Floor Story
London-based designer Kangan Arora will be launching her hand knotted Carnival Collection of rugs for Floor Story, inspired by the kaleidoscopic array of circus tents and the excitement of a kite-flying festival in her native India. Each piece is made to order, and takes 3 months to produce by skilled craftsmen using the traditional Tibetan Weave at 80 knots.
Safomasi's Camel Traders cushions
Award winning textile designers Sarah and Maninder of Safomasi, draw upon their combined Indian and British heritage to create prints inspired by both the everyday and the exotic encountered during their travels. Every single product is handmade and totally unique.
Also featured at Design Wallah is work by Waffle, Ekta Kaul, Sroop Sunar, Tanvi Kant, Josie Shenoy, Natasha Kumar, Locopopo and Plum Chutney among others.
Delicious Indian street food will be served up at the Chaat Shack & Chai Bar by Roti Chai, and at weekends, there'll also be a chance to try your creative hand at kite and print-making! To view the full Alchemy programme, check workshop availability and to book your place, visit the Southbank Alchemy website.