Decor: Silversmith Ndidi Nkubia at London Craft Week 2015

Ndidi Ekubia

[Image credits: Ndidi Ekubia, Silver Vase – Ndidi Ekubia]

Since I started my blogging journey I have come to appreciate the true and lasting value that exceptional craftsmanship brings to design. Craftsmanship is a hallmark of the world’s leading heritage and couture brands and in upholding this view, today sees the start of London Craft Week 2015, an inaugural five-day event whose ethos is ‘Putting craftsmanship centre stage of the world’s creative capital’. London Craft Week celebrates the best luxury brands and artisans from the UK and the around the world who will be: opening the doors of their studios; exhibiting their work in iconic venues that include Fortnum & Mason, the V&A and the British Library; or demonstrating their skills and techniques. Taking part in the Fortnum & Mason’s Meet the Maker event is silversmith Ndidi Ekubia, whose stunning silverware is in part inspired by her African heritage and traditional hand-raising techniques.

Working from her London studio since 1998, Ndidi creates exquisite vases, drinking glasses, bowls and other bespoke statement pieces that are characterised by a hammered metal technique and fluid swirling surface patterns that give a sense of graceful motion. Ndidi describes her aesthetic as ‘statement pieces [that] take on fluid and sensual forms with both a sculptural and functional identity.’ 

[Image credits: top, Wine Cups with gold interior; 
bottom, Turbine Wine Cooler – Ndidi Ekubia]  

A Senior Fellow and Trustee of the Bishopsland Educational Trust and a Freeman of The Goldsmiths’ Company Ndidi has exhibited her work around the world and was part of the Museum of Arts and Design, New York’s ‘Global Africa Project’ in 2010. Fortum & Mason’s Meet the Maker runs from 2pm until 7pm on Friday 8th May. 100 pieces of carefully curated contemporary craft from 28 craftsmen alumni from the Walpole Crafted mentoring programme will be on display throughout the store, and visitors will also be able to see live demonstrations and get an insight into the processes used by the makers showcasing their work.

Additional details:
For further information about Ndidi Ekubia visit: www.ndidiekubia.com
For further information about London Craft Week and the full programme of events visit: www.londoncraftweek.com
For further information about Fortnum & Mason visit: www.fortnumandmason.com

[Image credits: All images belong to Nididi Ekubia. If downloaded and used elsewhere please credit accordingly.]