Support for designers from Creative Lancashire
Some of the best creative businesses from across Lancashire are part of a special designer showcase during the Best of Britannia (BoB) weekend.
Creative Lancashire are curating a space to showcase some of the best, new and emerging businesses and individuals from the region, working in collaboration with partners including the BoB team and the Crafts Council.
BoB takes place from Friday 15 May to Sunday 17 May. It will breathe new life into the former Central Post Office building by creating a unique pop-up department store experience. BoB profiles a range of products reflecting the best from the UK, showcasing established and emerging talent from fashion, textiles, footwear, accessories, jewellery, cycling, motoring, home furnishings and much more.
Creative Lancashire is a service provided by Lancashire County Council through its economic development company – Lancashire County Developments Ltd (LCDL). They support creative and digital businesses and work with all sectors to realise creative potential.
Ed Matthews-Gentle from Creative Lancashire explained: "This is the first time that BoB has been held in the North of England. It's a prestigious event for the city.
"BoB represents part of a legacy and narrative that goes back to the great mills and traditions of making and manufacturing.
"For three days during BOB North, we're bringing together established local creative businesses alongside the next generation of exciting new talent. We're delighted to be able to support some very talented people.
"We're pleased to say that we've helped to develop the careers of some of the most talented designers and visual artists from the region."
Exhibitors include Maybedaisy (textiles), Sophie Alice Hirsch (jewellery), Julie Miles (ceramics), Colette Halstead (glass) and Swarm Design (textiles and lighting).
One of the companies chosen to take part in the showcase is swarm design (www.swarmdesign.co.uk), which is run by young Lancaster-based designer Adam Slade. They are a new luxury interiors brand specialising in high-end textiles and lighting.
Adam studied at the Bath School of Art & Design, before setting up initially as Adam Slade Interior Textiles. Several years after graduating Adam was selected to participate in the prestigious Crafts Council Hothouse 2014 programme – a development course designed to offer support and business advice to emerging designer/makers, run in partnership with Creative Lancashire.
Following the program Adam rebranded the business as Swarm Design England and relocated to Lancaster, where he also works for a high-end textile print manufacturer.
Another company selected to take part in BoB North is Rossendale-based Deni-Deni (www.deni-deni.com) who make fine leather goods and furnishings. They are a second generation family firm using traditional methods. They work with major luxury brands and create bespoke pieces.
Jenny Rutter, executive director of They Eat Culture and co-curator of the showcase, said: "Creative Lancashire have consistently supported makers and creators to show and sell their work to new audiences. There is a wealth of great design and creative talent on our doorstep, and around the region. The Creative Lancashire hub at BOB North is a way to take that talent out of the studio and into the heart of the city."
For information visit www.creativelancashire.org. You can follow them on twitter – @CreativeLancs.
Find out more at www.bestofbritannia.com and on twitter @BestBritannia, #BOBNorth.
Notes for Editors: The attached photographs show a portrait of Adam Slade from Swarm, a navy lamb nappa kindle cover by Deni-Deni.
For further information please contact: Stephen Axon on 01772 533 194
[email protected]