London Craft Week in South Ken

From 12th to 18th May, South Kensington transforms into a creative hub for London Craft Week, celebrating everything from traditional techniques to modern design. Expect live demos, hands-on workshops, and after-hours museum events across the area’s cultural venues. Here's your guide to what’s on:

1. London Craft Week x V&A Academy 2025

Tuesday 13th May, various times, free.

From millinery and silversmithing to weaving and puppetry, be inspired by live demonstrations from world class artisans as part of London Craft Week. 

Find all 12 London Craft Week x V&A Academy events here.

2. The Craft of Carpentry Gallery Tour with Simon Wright at Japan House London

Wednesday 14th May, 6:30pm-7:15pm, free.

Get behind-the-scenes insights into the design and development of the exhibition ‘The Craft of Carpentry: Drawing Life from Japan’s Forests’ with a special guided tour led by Japan House London’s Director of Programming, Simon Wright.

Find out more here.

3. London Craft Week: Mirage and Memory After Hours at Leighton House

Wednesday 14th May, 6:30pm-8:30pm, £15.

Discover the work of three extraordinary ceramicists, Rabya Alfadl, Nibras Alsalman and Dahouk Chamsi-Pasha, as they transform the interiors of Leighton House for one week only in partnership with The Barakat Trust. Enjoy the chance to meet the artists and explore their work in situ after hours, with a paid bar available throughout the evening.

Book your tickets.

4. Natural History Museum Supernova Embroidery Workshop

Friday 16th May, 10:00am-4:00pm, £180.

Try your hand at contemporary goldwork and couture beading in this new creative workshop with experts Hand & Lock. This workshop, which is suitable for all abilities, takes traditional techniques and warps them into a colourful, unconventional design. Learn the techniques then apply them how you choose, with complete creative freedom over your star creation. By the end of it, you’ll each have your own unique supernova to take home.

Book your tickets here.

5. Embracing Craft, Connecting Culture at the Royal Society of Sculptors

Monday 12th May-Sunday 18th May, 11:00am-6:00pm, free. 

This exhibition showcases crafts and traditions across regional boundaries and generations, representing the essence of Hong Kong as a melting pot of vibrant cultures. Crafts on Peel brings together international and Hong Kong artisans to collaborate and co-create works in various mediums and forms, fostering creative dialogue and cultural connections between regions and within our craft community.

Find out more.

6. Family Fun: Creating Ceramics at Leighton House

Saturday 17th May, 11:30am- 12:30pm, £5.

Come along and meet the artists behind Leighton House's special display,  Mirage and Memory: Ceramics and Embroidery. Children will create their own artworks  inspired by the ceramic and embroidery pieces on display around the museum, transforming the interiors of Leighton House for one week only.

Book your tickets here.

7. Crafting Narratives Through Lighting Design at the Design Museum

Saturday 17th May, 10:00am - 4:00pm, £108.

Create your own lamp inspired by the Museum's display PLATFORM: Bethan Laura Wood. Led by designer Holly Rollins, explore cultural stories, research methods and hands-on modelling to design and build a functional lamp prototype that embodies personal and collective narratives.

Book your place here.

Whether you're exploring age-old techniques or trying something new, London Craft Week in South Kensington offers a unique chance to celebrate creativity, skill, and inspiration in every form.