Craft Focus - Apr/May (Issue 66)

craft focus 7 industry news A round-up of latest news from the crafting industry industry news MESSE FRANKFURT ACQUIRES FOREST EXHIBITIONS Messe Frankfurt has expanded its international network with the acquisition of Forest Exhibitions Limited, which will become its UK subsidiary. “It is important for our company to promote commercial exchanges at European and global level in our 30 trade fair locations around the world,” explains Wolfgang Marzin, president and chief executive officer at Messe Frankfurt. “The UK is an attractive trade fair and export market for our international customers. Even Shakespeare, one of the most important figures in world literature, was aware of the importance of trade links between the United Kingdom and Germany in his day. He made mention of the Frankfurt mart and the trading activities with his homeland there in his play, The Merchant of Venice. Another important strategic factor for us today is the proximity to our British partners and organisers who are regular visitors to Frankfurt.” In the last financial year, more than 560 exhibitors and approximately 15,300 visitors came from the UK to trade fairs in Frankfurt. Former event director at Forest Exhibitions Ltd, Simon Albert, will be managing director of the new subsidiary. He succeeds Rob Sherwood, who will continue to represent Messe Frankfurt in international sales with his company, Sherwood Event Services. Visit messefrankfurt.com for information. WOMAN’S HOUR PRIZE ENTRIES GO ON DISPLAY Works by the 12 finalists in the £10,000 Woman’s Hour Craft Prize will be showcased at the National Trust’s Mottisfont property from 23 rd April. Pieces on display will include everything from a bespoke bicycle to a range of futuristic glass figures, and organisers hope the exhibition will make an important statement about the way British craft reflects on, and engages with the modern world. Organised by the V&A in association with BBC Radio 4 and the Crafts Council, the prize is intended to celebrate a range of crafts and skills. Of more than 1,500 entries, 12 finalists have been selected, including Alison Britton, whose 40-year career has consistently challenged traditional notions of ceramics, and Neil Brownsword, whose installation features china flowers, created using one of the few remaining methods of mass production that relies on manual dexterity. The 29-strong judging panel included Rosy Greenlees, executive director of the Crafts Council, Tristram Hunt, director of the V&A and Martha Kearney, BBC journalist and broadcaster. “The 12 Woman’s Hour Craft Prize finalists embody the vibrancy, energy and ingenuity of contemporary craft,” says Annie Warburton, creative director at The Crafts Council. “The expert jury’s already high expectations were surpassed by the astonishing quality of entries, making for some intriguing debates and challenging decisions. What is without question is the current confidence and vitality in craft. Representing a breadth of material practice and variety of approaches, the 12 finalists are united by their consummate skill and artistry.” Mottisfont is one of the first locations to host the countrywide tour, and the exhibition runs until 24 th June, 2018. Visit nationaltrust.org.uk for information. FOLD-EASE GOES ON THE MARKET Fold-Ease, the business behind the innovative paper and card- folding tool, is for sale. The company’s patented product is worn on the finger, and allows the wearer to fold paper easily, without risking friction burns or paper cuts. With a firm foundation and a finalised product that is fully intellectually protected, the business represents a profitable platform with scope for further development. The multipurpose tool has a large target market and can be used across a variety of industry sectors including papercraft and origami, as well as in offices or at home. The business does not operate from a fixed premises, and the product is manufactured and shipped in the UK, which means a new owner can be based at any national or international location. For details, contact Intelligent Business Transfer Limited. Visit intelligent.co.uk for more information.