Vigour and Skills brings its Cotswolds atelier to London Craft Week
Vigour and Skills (V+S) brings its Cotswolds atelier to the heart of Kensington for London Craft Week with A Future Made by Hand—an exhibition hosted at The Roof Gardens, open by appointment from 13–18 May. The showcase offers a glimpse into a slower, more intentional retail experience, where connection and craftsmanship take precedence over convenience. Visitors will find carefully curated works including Florence St. George’s ceramic sculpture, Alvaro Picardo’s bold hand-painted lampshades, and fine leather goods by Katy Warriner, made in collaboration with the UK’s oldest working tannery.
Vigour and Skills at The Roof Gardens.
Founded by Beatrice Savoretti and Clément Lauchard, V+S began as a local initiative in the Cotswolds and has grown into a national platform that champions transparency and traceability. Through in-depth content filmed by Clément, each object is accompanied by the story of its maker—revealing the tools, rhythm, and techniques behind the finished piece. The result is a deeper appreciation for both the process and the person behind each creation.
The exhibition is accompanied by a daily workshop programme, offering visitors the chance to meet and learn from V+S’s community of makers. The schedule includes rush weaving with Ella Merriman, ceramic demonstrations by Lottie Tarpey, leatherwork with Michelle Wong, and illustration workshops led by Fiona Chivers. From hands-on sessions to live demonstrations, the programme invites attendees to engage directly with craft and explore the value of objects made by hand.
Ella Merriman rush weaving. Vigour and Skills at The Roof Gardens.
Workshop Programme
Tuesday 13 May
Demonstration (9am–1pm): Tone Von Krogh (Ceramics), Ella Merriman (Rush Weaving), Lottie Tarpey (Ceramics), Catherine Cullen (Leather)
Demonstration (2pm–6pm): Lottie Tarpey (Ceramics), Ella Merriman (Rush Weaving)
Wednesday 14 May
Demonstration (9am–1pm): Lisa Dear (Basket Weaving), Fiona Chivers (Illustration)
Demonstration (2pm–6pm): Lottie Tarpey (Ceramics), Fiona Chivers (Illustration)
Thursday 15 May
Workshop (10am–12pm): Fiona Chivers (Illustration)
Demonstration (2pm–6pm): Charlotte Martin (Textile Weaving), Lottie Tarpey (Ceramics)
Friday 16 May
Workshop (10am–1pm): Ella Merriman (Rush Weaving)
Demonstration (2pm–6pm): Emily Marston (Ceramics), Szonja Gibarti (Textile Weaving)
Saturday 17 May
• Workshop (10am–12pm): Michelle Wong (Leather)
• Demonstration (Afternoon): Vallari Harshwal (Ceramics), Katy Warriner (Leather)
Sunday 18 May
• Workshop (2pm–4pm): Violaine Verry (Ceramics)
Date: 13 – 18 May 2025. Time: 9am - 6pm (By appointment only). Location: The Roof Gardens, 99 Kensington High Street, London, W8 5SA. Email info@vigourandskills.com to book a slot.
